The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has called for immediate investment in cancer services amid predictions that the number of cancer cases could double by 2045.

Patients from the poorest backgrounds are around 50% more likely than the well-off to discover they have cancer after attending hospital as an emergency case.

Ireland’s success story in getting to grips with cancer is creating challenges because of the complex needs of cancer survivors, an expert group is warning.

The number of children dying each year from cancer has reduced substantially since the 1950s, from 50-60 per year to fewer than 25, according to an analysis of childhood cancer trends.

Concerns that cancer rates are higher in Cobh, Co Cork, due to its proximity to a former steel plant do not stand up to scrutiny, according to the new director of the National Cancer Registry (NCR).