The country factsheets present an overview of the national cancer strategy and key policies and measures implemented up to December 2023 along the four pillars and three cross-cutting themes of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP), as well as key data on the evolution of situation, and barriers to implementation. The information on policy measures is based on a review of national policy documents and EU repositories of measures, and a survey with national stakeholders. The data on the evolution of the situation come primarily from EU and international sources to facilitate comparison across country factsheets. Finally, the information on barriers is based on the survey with national stakeholders, complemented by desk research.

16. Cancer in Ireland. Summary points:
• Three National Cancer Strategies to date. First strategy launched in 1996. Current strategy covers 2017-2026.
• Implementation monitored through annual reporting against the recommendations and key performance indicators of the Strategy

The estimated cancer incidence in Ireland in 2022 was 641.6 cases per 100,000 population, higher than the EU-27 average of 571.5 cases per 100,000 population. Estimated cancer incidence in Ireland is projected to increase by 46.6 percentage points by 2040 relative to 2022, over two times the estimated relative change in incidence of the EU-27 average (18.4 percentage points) in the same timeframe. The estimated cancer mortality in Ireland in 2022 was 260.1 deaths per 100,000 population, slightly lower than the EU-27 average (264.3 deaths per 100,000 population). The estimated cancer mortality in Ireland is projected to increase by 61.8 percentage points by 2040 relative to 2022, an increase greater than the estimated relative change in mortality of the EU-27 average (26.3 percentage points) in the same timeframe. In 2022 the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)cancers in Ireland were breast cancer in women (27% of all female cases) and prostate cancer in men (31% of all male cancer cases).

P.423 The risk factors highlighted within the EBCP include smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet & physical inactivity, environmental pollution, exposure to hazardous substances including radiation and infection control. The Irish National Cancer Strategy identifies several risk factors which align closely with those identified in the EU Beating Cancer Plan within section B of its strategy which is dedicated to reducing the cancer burden. These include smoking, obesity, diet and physical activity, alcohol, sexual health, UV radiation, radon and occupational hazards. Ireland’s Cancer Strategy highlights cancer risk factors specific to women, namely Hormone Replacement Therapy and, the protective effects of breast feeding. Section B also highlighted the importance of secondary/tertiary cancer prevention and chemoprevention for high-risk groups. Ireland has implemented several policies related to smoking, in many cases prior to directives and regulation from the EU. In 2004, Ireland became the first country in Europe to implement a ban on smoking in workplaces, followed by Italy and Sweden in 20051432. Prohibition on the sale of 10-packs of cigarettes in Ireland came into force in 20071433 - 9 years before this became mandatory as part of EU regulation in 20161434. Various amendments to the Public Health (Tobacco) Act in 2009 and 2013 set struct regulations on promotional activities1435 and prohibited the sale of tobacco products at a reduced price...