As 2025 draws to a close, the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) reflects on a year of impact and progress. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we have advanced cancer data collection, research, and engagement - strengthening the foundation for better cancer care and policy. Collaboration has been at the heart of these achievements, and it will remain central to our plans for the year ahead.

2025: a year of impact and progress

Since January, we have achieved significant milestones in cancer data collection, research, and engagement:

Looking Ahead to 2026

Next year, NCRI will focus on making cancer data more actionable, transparent, and impactful for all stakeholders by:

KEY UPDATES

CancerWatch project launch

We are proud to announce that we are a key partner in CancerWatch, a major EU Joint Action launched this September to improve the quality, comparability, and timeliness of cancer data across Europe. As Ireland’s population-based cancer registry, NCRI will play an important role by:

• Providing high-quality national cancer data to support European-level analysis
• Implementing new digital tools and harmonised standards developed through CancerWatch
• Contributing expertise to shape future indicators and expand registry coverage

For our stakeholders, this means better-quality data to inform research, policy, and cancer control initiatives. By participating in CancerWatch, we are helping to strengthen Ireland’s voice in the European cancer intelligence network and ensure our data contribute to evidence-based decisions at both national and EU levels.

DISCOVER MORE

 

Website Launch

We launched our new website in May 2025. This redesigned platform was developed with our stakeholders in mind, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience while improving access to essential cancer data and resources.

The new site provides:

• Simplified navigation for easier access to reports and statistics
• Enhanced mobile compatibility for on-the-go use
• Interactive data visualisation tools to support research and decision-making

Our goal is to make Irish cancer data more accessible, clear, and actionable for everyone in the cancer community. This upgrade reflects our commitment to supporting stakeholders with reliable, well-presented data. We invite you to visit and experience the improvements first hand.

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE

 

RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS

Spotlight on 2025 Internships: Building Expertise and Advancing Cancer Research

This year we continued our commitment to fostering future leaders in cancer research through internships and fellowship opportunities. These placements not only provide invaluable experience for emerging professionals but also bring fresh perspectives and expertise that strengthen NCRI’s mission.

Dr Celia O’Hare, a Public Health Specialist and NCCP-NCRI Aspire Fellow, made a significant contribution as lead author of the Tobacco-related Cancers in Ireland report. Her work exemplifies how internships can drive impactful research that informs public health policy.

Angel Mary George, a PhD scholar from Trinity College Dublin, joined NCRI as an intern whilst completing her PhD. Angel also co-authored the Tobacco-related Cancers report and is leading vital work on the incidence of secondary cancers following primary breast cancer.

Dr Oana Maria Deac, an Oncology Specialist Registrar and ICAT Fellow, completed the first year of her PhD focusing on young-onset gastrointestinal cancer at the Trinity St James Cancer Institute. Her collaboration with NCRI underscores the importance of linking clinical expertise with population-based cancer data.

These internships and fellowships demonstrate the mutual benefit of collaboration: participants gain hands-on experience and mentorship, while NCRI benefits from innovative research that informs cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship strategies. By investing in talent, NCRI continues to strengthen Ireland’s cancer research ecosystem.

 

Explore NCRI reports published in 2025

NCRI published three significant reports this year:

• Skin Cancer Report – providing the latest  for Ireland’s most common cancer
• Tobacco-Related Cancers Report – offering critical insights into the ongoing impact of tobacco smoking on cancer in Ireland
• Covid Impact Report  - underscoring the adaptability of Ireland’s cancer services under unprecedented pressure and highlighting the value of NCRI’s high-quality national data.

These reports are designed to inform evidence-based decision making across the cancer research and care pathway and we encourage stakeholders to read and use these findings.

ACCESS ALL OF OUR REPORTS

 

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Webinar series 

We have launched a new series of webinars designed to build awareness of our work and engage with stakeholders. These sessions provide valuable insights into the work of the NCRI and our objectives, and foster collaboration across the sector. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at how data is systematically gathered, integrated, and validated at the National Cancer Registry Ireland. 

The next webinar will take place:

• Date: 2nd February, 2026
• Time: 1-2pm
• Title: Behind the Numbers: Making Sense of NCRI Data and Its Quality

Sign-up for this webinar will be issued in the new year.

 

Opportunities for collaboration

We welcome partnerships that advance cancer research and capacity building. Areas for collaboration include:

Joint Research Projects

Work with us on studies leveraging NCRI data to generate impactful insights on cancer epidemiology, treatment and outcomes.

Training and Education

Collaborate on supporting undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to strengthen cancer epidemiology expertise.

Innovation and Technology

Explore opportunities to develop tools and methodologies that improve cancer data analysis and accessibility.

DISCOVER MORE