2025
Blog
Achievement
Health literacy – clearer cancer communication for better Health
Health literacy is the ability to get, understand and use healthcare information.
The Irish Cancer Society want to empower people with confidence and skills to cope better with their cancer and avoid unnecessary physical and emotional difficulties.
Clear, efficient communication is vital to help patients to understand and make decisions about their treatment and to manage side-effects. Using established health-literacy friendly techniques can make interactions more effective, saving time and avoiding unnecessary follow-up and service use.
Hospital services in Ireland
There are 3 different types of hospitals in Ireland:
- Public hospitals run by the State through the Health Service Executive
- Voluntary public hospitals, are mainly state-funded but are sometimes owned by private bodies. For example, religious orders. Other voluntary public hospitals are run by boards often appointed by the Minister for Health
- Private hospitals receive no state funding
You’re Young, But It Might Be Cancer
At Digestive Cancers Europe(DiCE), they firmly believe that supporting early detection is essential for better outcomes and improving the quality of life for every patient.
By reading “You’re Young, But It Might Be Cancer,” you will gain valuable insights and perspectives from these brave survivors and contribute to DiCE’s efforts in raising awareness and empowering patients and their families.
https://digestivecancers.eu/youre-young-but-it-might-be-cancer/
Decoding clinical trial jargon: helping people understand the efficacy end points used in cancer trials
People living with cancer should have access to clear and comprehensible treatment information to empower informed decision-making.
This podcast highlights the need to support this aspect of health literacy by bringing together the perspectives of a patient, a patient advocate and a medical oncologist.
Accompanied by two visual, plain-language guides designed to help general audiences understand the key efficacy end points that are commonly used in trials of solid tumor treatments.
We wish you a Happy and Healthy Christmas
The increasing role of cancer genetic counsellors
November 14 was Genetic Counsellor Awareness Day in Ireland and around the world. It’s important to note that it is an ‘awareness’ day rather than an ‘appreciation’ day because genetic counselling is still an under-recognised field. Genetic counsellors are healthcare professionals who provide information and support to families and individuals who are at risk for or affected by a genetic condition.
We have 17 cancer genetic counsellors and two genetic counselling assistants at City of Hope to handle this volume. In contrast, there are five cancer genetic counsellors at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.
Dr O’Shea said the St James’s cancer genetic service welcomed Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly’s announcement of funding to implement the Hereditary Cancer Model of Care in 2025. Genetic counsellors are a key part of delivering optimal oncology care. To respond to the demand for access to cancer genetic testing and counselling, permanent funding for 20 cancer genetic counsellors in oncology care is required nationally to serve a population of 5.3 million people. Additionally, a step forward to increase the capacity of genetic counsellors in the Irish health system is a HSE-funded training pathway.
Colorectal cancer incidence trends in younger versus older adults: an analysis of population-based cancer registry data
Previous studies have shown that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among younger adults (aged <50 years) in multiple high-income western countries in contrast with stabilising or decreasing trends in incidence in older adults (aged ≥50 years).
The increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, previously seen predominately in high-income western countries, has now been documented in various economies and regions worldwide, marking it as a global phenomenon.
The global reach of this alarming trend calls for innovative tools to prevent and control cancers linked to nutritional attributes, physical inactivity, and excess bodyweight, which might be more challenging to address than the tobacco epidemic.
Educational efforts to increase awareness of the increase in the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer and its unique symptoms, especially among primary care providers, would have far reaching effects in reducing delayed diagnoses and mortality.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(24)00600-4/fulltext
The European Tumour Group Podcast
Delving into the world of hereditary cancer conditions, featuring conversations with opinion leaders, experts, cutting-edge researchers, and patients. Episodes explore key issues, groundbreaking research, and personal stories that shape the understanding, prevention, and treatment of hereditary cancer syndromes. Stay informed and inspired with every episode!
Who better to start it with than our very own @CaPP3 Sir John Burn
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 