• HPV (human papilloma virus) is a group of viruses known to infect the genital area, as well as the mouth and the throat which can develop into cancer.
• There are 641 cases of new human papilloma virus (HPV)- associated cancers and 196 cancer deaths per year in Ireland, the most common being Cervical Cancer.
• Incidence rate for cervical cancer has been decreasing since 2010, following the introduction of a population-based screening programme in 2008.
• HPV associated cancers account for 2.7% of all invasive cancers diagnosed in Ireland excl. NMSC.
• Incidence rates and survival rates for most other HPV- associated cancers, are increasing.
• HPV vaccination is expected to reduce the incidence of HPV-associated cancers in the longterm.

The National Cancer Registry’s Strategic Plan has five key objectives. These objectives were developed following extensive stakeholder engagement. This strategy will play a pivotal role in defining the future direction of the NCRI.

1. Capture a comprehensive picture of the patient cancer journey.
2. Be the independent, export and trusted source of cancer data and trends.
3. Enhance research capabilities and develop vibrant and collaborative research networks in Ireland and internationally.
4. Be at the forefront of informing health information regulation and in the deployment of Digital Health Initiatives.
5. Enhance organisational capabilities through investment and strengthened governance.

• During 2019-2021 on average, there were 82 deaths annually due to cervical cancer in Ireland
• Five-year net survival has increased from 57% (1994-1998) to 65% (2014-2018)
• The 13th most common cause of invasive cancer deaths in women in Ireland
• 9th most common invasive cancer in women in Ireland excl. NMSC
• Accounts for 2.2% of all invasive cancers diagnosed in women excl. NMSC
• During 2019-2021, on average, there were 250 cases registered annually in Ireland

Adolescent & young adult cancer in Ireland (AYA) 

• 178 AYAs in Ireland diagnosed with cancer every year
• Cancer incidence among Irish AYAs is very similar in males & females
• Most common AYA cancers in Ireland are epithelial tumours & melanomas, brain & CNS, and lymphomas
• 90% of AYAs are alive 5 years after their diagnosis
• 21 AYAs die of cancer every year
• There has been a notable fall in the rate of melanoma observed in 16-24 year old females
   

Incidence data relates to 2011-2020
Mortality data relates to 2010-2019

• 191 children in Ireland diagnosed with cancer every yeaer
• Cancer incidence is slightly higher in males than females
• Most common childhood cancers in Ireland are leukaemias, brain & CNS, lymphomas
• 87% of children are alive 5 years after their diagnosis
• 21 children in Ireland die of cancer each year
• Mortality rates in 0-15 year olds have decreased significantly

Key findings

1. Preliminary data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that the number of cancer cases diagnosed in 2021 was down 1,665 cases 1 or 6% lower than projected.
2. This is a smaller shortfall in diagnosis than the 2 10% observed in 2020.
3. Colorectal, female breast, and cervical cancer case numbers, which were notably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, returned to 3 expected case numbers in 2021.
4. Liver, pancreatic and kidney cancers appear to have been most significantly impacted by the 4 disruptions that occurred due to COVID-19.
5. The combined number of diagnosed cancers during 2020 and 2021 was down 4,320 cases or 8% lower than projected.

• Although cancer incidence rates have fallen and survival rates have improved over time across the majority of cancers, there is no evidence of any reduction in disparities between the least and most deprived areas.
• Overall, there was a 7% higher risk of developing cancer for men and a 5% higher risk for women living in most deprived areas compared to those living in the least deprived areas.
• Higher risk of later stage at presentation for breast and prostate cancer when comparing the least and most deprived groups. No disparities in stage of presentation were found for lung or colorectal cancers.
• Higher incidence of breast, prostate, and melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in people living in more affluent areas.
• Overall, there was lower five-year cancer survival rates in patients from the most deprived areas, who have an 28% higher risk of dying from their cancer.
• Higher incidence of stomach, lung and cervical cancer in people living in more deprived areas.