Cancer incidence in Ireland and the recent EU survey

A recent Eurobarometer survey has been quoted as showing that Ireland has the highest rate of cancer in the European Union. This report (Health, Food and Alcohol and Safety) was based on an opinion poll and shows much higher variation in cancer rates between countries than actually exists. The figures for number of patients on treatment is also inconsistent with the numbers reporting they had cancer and it is not clear if the figures refer to new cases of cancer or all people reporting they had cancer.

For cancer, there are much better sources of information than opinion surveys. The most reliable data on cancer in Europe, from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows that overall cancer incidence in Ireland is fifth highest in Europe. For men we are ninth highest and for women third highest. Our ranking with regard to cancer deaths is similar. There is no evidence that cancer rates in Ireland exceed those in other countries by as much as suggested by the Eurobarometer survey.