Registry predicts major rise in most cancers in Ireland

The incidence of cancer in Ireland is expected to double by 2040, according to the National Cancer Registry.

Figures from the National Cancer Registry show that, with the exception of leukemia in men, all other cancers are projected to increase.

The National Cancer Registry projections take into account changes in demography, such as population size and age distribution, as well as trends in cancer incidence since 1994.

Its latest figures predict that skin cancers will be the most rapidly increasing cancers in both men and women.

It shows that Lung cancer is rising more rapidly in women than men, so that by 2040 the rate is projected to increase by 136% for women and 52% in men.

Cancers of the colon and rectum are projected to increase largely in line with demographic change, by 120% - 130% between 2010 and 2014.

The registry also anticipates that the expansion of screening programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer will also have an impact.