Cancer cases could double by 2045 unless changes are made, warns the Irish Cancer Society

Cancer cases could double by 2045 unless changes are made, warned the Irish Cancer Society.

They added that immediate action was needed to prevent this projection from becoming a reality and that the numbers were a "wake-up call".

The Society was responding to the new figures presented in the annual report of the National Cancer Registry.

Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, said the numbers should immediately prompt a reaction.

She said: "Although these projections are bleak, they should not become a reality.

"By improving our lifestyles and using free screening, each of us can dramatically reduce our risk of getting cancer.

"Four out of ten cancers are preventable. We can all reduce our risk of cancer by eating healthy, exercising and limiting our consumption of alcohol.

"Smokers can quit smoking with the support of services such as the" We Can Stop "program of the Irish Cancer Society. The HPV vaccine also offers us an incredible opportunity to virtually eliminate cervical cancer.

"The government needs to ensure that the cancer prevention recommendations of the national cancer strategy are fully implemented. This would empower people to make healthy choices while increasing early detection and improving outcomes.

"Addressing inequalities in health is also a priority for the Irish Cancer Society. Disadvantaged groups are even more likely to contract cancer and die of cancer than more advantaged groups. We will not hold for that. We will continue to demand better access to cancer testing for all, increased participation in screening programs, and no barriers to physician consultation.

"Together, these actions could save thousands of lives in the years to come."

Earlier this week, the ICS expressed concern about our lack of knowledge about lung cancer.

Shocking figures revealed that three out of five people did not know it was the biggest cancer killer in Ireland and only 9% were the most deadly among women.

Research from the Marie Keating Foundation has shown that nearly 2,600 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

Liz Yeates, a member of the foundation, said, "The research revealed a lack of awareness of the symptoms of the disease and a shocking attitude towards lung cancer.

"We hope to challenge these attitudes."

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