Cancer survival means new challenges due to complex needs of survivors

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 National Cancer Registry, which publishes its annual report today, says that while it is good news that cancer rates are stabilising or falling in many cases, the long-term needs of survivors can not be overlooked.

Some 167,700 people in Ireland are currently living with the impact of cancer — either undergoing treatment, in remission, or completely cleared — a number that represents 3.6% of the entire population.