Cancer incidence and mortality trends 1994-2023

• Between 1994 and 2023, trends for all invasive cancers combined (excluding NMSC) differed by sex but showed sustained improvements in mortality for both males and females.
• In males, overall cancer incidence has declined in since 2009, following earlier increases largely driven by prostate cancer.
• In females, all-cancer incidence has remained broadly stable, with increases in breast cancer offset by declines in other cancers such as colorectal cancer.
• Over the same period, mortality from all invasive cancers decreased significantly in both sexes, reflecting long-term progress in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.
• Among the most common cancers, prostate cancer incidence in males increased during earlier years but has stabilised more recently, while mortality declined steadily since 2002.
• In females, breast cancer incidence increased modestly since 2008, whereas mortality showed a clear and sustained decline over the whole 30-year range (1994-2023).
• Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality decreased in both males and females, consistent with the impact of screening, earlier diagnosis and improved treatment.
• In contrast, melanoma of the skin showed a strong and continuing increase in incidence in both males and females. Melanoma mortality trends differed by sex, remaining relatively stable in males, while showing a significant increase in females in recent years.
• Overall, recent trends indicate declining mortality for all invasive cancers (excluding NMSC) and major gains in cancer survival in Ireland. However, the findings underscore the need for strengthened prevention and early detection efforts particularly for melanoma.