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Welcome to PinkRibbon Ireland

You’re not alone. This page shares key facts about common female cancers in Ireland, survival stats, health initiatives, and trusted support organisations. Our mission is to ensure every woman has access to awareness, early detection, and compassionate care.

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Cancer statistics
& survival rates

Breast Cancer
~3,100 new cases annually.
5-year net survival:
Overall: ~88%
Stage I: ~99%
Stage II: ~94%
Stage III: ~78%
Stage IV: ~34%
Cervical Cancer
~250 new cases annually, affecting mostly ages 30–50.
5-year net survival:
Overall: ~65%
Stage I: ~95%
Stage II: ~80%
Stage III: ~58%
Stage IV: ~19%
Ovarian Cancer
~400 new cases each year.
5-year survival varies by stage and subtype.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
~540 new cases annually.
Most common gynecological cancer in Ireland.
5-year survival ~78%.

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Learn more

Recent research
& Initiatives

  • Recent Research

    Women’s Cancer Survivorship Clinic: Nurse-led clinic in the HSE South/South West Hospital Group, integrating hospital and community follow-up care for women post-treatment.
    LYSA Trial: Led by University of Galway and University Hospital Galway, supported by the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. Focuses on survivorship and improving quality of life after cancer treatment.
    PRISM Research Program: A €5 million initiative targeting metastatic breast cancer to improve survival rates through cutting-edge research.
    HPV Vaccination Program: Free HPV vaccination for both boys and girls, aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

    Learn more

Support organizations

  • Support Organisations

    Irish Cancer Society: Offers counseling, financial aid, education, and a Freephone Support Line (1800 200 700). cancer.ie
    Marie Keating Foundation: Provides nationwide awareness, prevention, and support services. mariekeating.ie
    ARC Cancer Support Centres: Delivers psychological, emotional, and educational support to patients and families. arccancersupport.ie
    Breast Cancer Ireland: Supports research, awareness, and education to make breast cancer a treatable illness. breastcancerireland.com
    Breakthrough Cancer Research: Funds research into poor prognosis cancers to improve survival. breakthroughcancerresearch.ie

Accessing cancer screening and treatment

Where to get screened

These services are part of the national screening program “Prolamvano” (meaning “I Prevent”)

Learn more

  • **Where to Get Screened**

    Ireland offers several free, national screening programs:
    BreastCheck: Mammograms every two years for women aged 50–69.
    CervicalCheck: Free cervical screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25–65.
    BowelScreen: Free home screening for men and women aged 60–69.

    **Appointment Needed?
    Yes. Appointments are required and can be scheduled through a GP or by contacting the screening program directly.**

    **What to Bring:**

    Personal Public Service (PPS) number
    Photo identification
    Any previous medical records
    Screening Hotline:
    Freephone 1800 45 45 55

    Learn more
Support is nearby

Hotline numbers

1800 200 700
Screening Program Hotline: 1800 45 45 55

Where to get treatment

  • Where to Go

    Public Hospitals: Most have oncology departments providing multidisciplinary care.

    **Specialised Cancer Centres:**

    St. James’s Hospital (Dublin)
    Cork University Hospital

    **Government Coverage:
    Ireland’s public healthcare system covers:**

    Chemotherapy
    Radiotherapy
    Surgery
    Other cancer-related treatments
    Patients may qualify for:
    Medical Card: Covers most medical costs.
    Drugs Payment Scheme: Caps monthly medication expenses.

    **Note:
    Waiting times may occur. Discuss timelines and options with your healthcare team.**

Financial support

  •

    **Government Schemes:**

    Medical Card: Free or low-cost access to most treatments.
    Drugs Payment Scheme: Caps monthly medicine costs.

    **Additional Support:**

    Health insurance funds and hospital social services.
    Irish Cancer Society services:
    Volunteer Driver Service
    Financial aid for treatment-related expenses
    Patients should consult medical social workers for guidance on applying.

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