Irish cancer survival lowest in Europe

CANCER campaigners have criticised Government inaction after a major new study showed Ireland has some of the lowest survival rates from the disease in Europe.

Ireland came 16th out of 20 European countries when the survival rates for female cancer patients were analysed and 11th out of 20 when male survival rates were examined.

A little more than half (51.9%) of women here will still be alive five years after a diagnosis of cancer, while less than half (48.1%) of men here will make the five-year milestone.