Cancer

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Summary:

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to metastasize (spread).

Cancer is not one disease. It is a group of more than 100 different and distinctive diseases.

Cancer can involve any tissue of the body and have many different forms in each body area.

For further information, please refer to the 9 different cancer types outlined below.

Statistics:

Cancer Incidence

Every 3 minutes in Ireland someone gets a cancer diagnosis. Every hour someone dies from cancer. Incidence of cancer is growing and by 2020, 1 in 2 of us will get a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime.*

By 2020, 1 in 2 people in Ireland will develop cancer during their lifetime.*
In Ireland an average of 40,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year.

Data sourced from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) [1]

Cancer Mortality

1 in 4 deaths in Ireland is caused by cancer.

Cancer is the second biggest killer in Ireland
It accounts for approximately 30% of deaths every year; heart disease accounts for 31% of all deaths.
One person dies from cancer every hour in Ireland.
Over 9,000 deaths every year are from cancer.

Data sourced from the Central Statistics Office [2]

Cancer survival

There are more than 150,000 people living with and beyond cancer today in Ireland. But survival rates for individual cancers vary hugely. For example, while 90% prostate cancer patients will survive for five years or more, just 13% of lung cancer patients will be as lucky.

Cancer Prevention

We now know that 4 out of 10 cancers can be prevented. By not smoking, eating healthily, watching our weight and alcohol intake and exercising we are taking a big step in lowering our risk of cancer.

Cancer and Smoking

Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer, causing one third of all cancers.

9 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking.
Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, 60 of which are known to cause cancer.
Half of all smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease.

Date Last Reviewed:

Friday, November 3, 2017

– See more at: https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/media-centre/cancer-statistics#sthash.rws9MnWf.dpuf [3]

Charities:

Charitable Organizations	Location	Est.	Services
Irish Cancer Society	Dublin & Cork	1963	We’re the nationwide charity in Ireland dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, and improving the lives of those who have cancer
Bone Marrow Trust	Dublin	2011	We provide funds for nurses, doctors, scientists, equipment, data managers and of course support for patients and their families undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation.
Purple House	Wicklow	1990	We provide professional Cancer Support & Psycho-Oncology services to people affected by Cancer
Ronald McDonald House	Dublin	1974	We provide a Ronald McDonald House to support families whose children are seriously ill in hospital
Our Ladies Hospice	Dublin & Wicklow	1879	We provide palliative care to support adults who are seriously ill
The Marie Keating Foundation	Dublin	2001	The Marie Keating Foundation is one of the leading voices in Ireland for cancer prevention, awareness and support
Barretstown	Kildare	1994	Barretstown is a not for profit camp for children with cancer and other serious illnesses located at Barretstown Castle

Not-Profit Groups:

Information:

Cancer

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to metastasize (spread). Cancer is not one disease. It is a group of more than 100 different and distinctive diseases. Cancer can involve any tissue of the body and have many different forms in each body area.

https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2580 [3]

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells. White blood cells are made in your bone marrow and fight infection.
The symptoms of leukaemia include feeling tired, being pale, unusual bleeding and repeated infections.
A blood test and a bone marrow biopsy are needed to diagnose leukaemia.
There are four main types of leukaemia.

Brain Tumour

Your brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS), which controls all the functions in your body. Cancer can grow in many parts of the brain.
The tumours can press down on the brain and cause damage. The symptoms of a brain tumour depend on where the tumour is located.
The symptoms can include headaches, feeling sick or vomiting, seizures (fits), drowsiness and irritability.
A range of tests is needed to diagnose a brain tumour. These include a CT scan, MRI scan, blood tests and biopsy. Other tests may also be needed.
For more information on brain tumours in children, please see the Helping Hand booklet on Cancer.ie.

Sarcoma

Sarcoma is cancer of the supporting structures of the body. This includes muscle and bone.
There are two main types of sarcoma: soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma.
The symptoms of sarcoma depend on where the tumour is located. You may notice that your child has a lump, swelling or painful area.
A range of different X-rays and biopsies may be needed to diagnose a sarcoma.

Germ Cell Tumour

Germ cell tumours are cancers that develop in the cells that make eggs or sperm.
Most germ cell tumours occur in the testicles or the ovaries but may appear in another part of your body as well.
The symptoms usually include a lump.
Different scans, X-rays and blood tests may be needed to diagnose it.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin and non–Hodgkin lymphoma.
The symptoms include a painless lump or swelling, night sweats and weight loss.
A biopsy is usually needed to diagnose it.

Liver Cancer

The liver has many roles: it helps the blood to clot, forms cholesterol, maintains the body´s fluid balance, breaks down carbohydrates and fats, and get rids of harmful substances from your body.
The symptoms of liver cancer include a lump or swelling in the tummy, weight loss, feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting.
An ultrasound scan, MRI scan and blood tests may be needed to diagnose it.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is cancer of special nerve cells called neural crest cells. These cells are part of your nervous system.
Neuroblastoma can occur anywhere in the body.
The symptoms include loss of appetite, tiredness and pain in the bones. Other symptoms depend on where the tumour is found.
Tests such as blood tests, urine tests and some specialised scans may be needed to diagnose it.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare tumour of the eye.
In some cases retinoblastoma can be due to an inherited gene.
The symptoms include a painful red eye, a squint, or the affected eye may appear white in a photograph.
A diagnosis is usually made by examining the eye. Your child may need other tests like blood tests, a lumber puncture, MRI and ultrasound scans.

Wilms’ Tumour

Wilms’ tumour is a type of kidney cancer.
The symptoms include a swelling of the tummy, blood in the urine and weight loss.
Urine and blood tests are needed to diagnose it. An ultrasound scan and MRI scan may be needed to find out the extent of the cancer (staging).

https://www.cancer.ie [1]