The main purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence, mortality, and trends over time for rare cancers in Ireland. The project will also map out how these cancers are distributed across different demographic and socio-economic groups, such as age, sex, and levels of deprivation. Examining these patterns will help identify whether particular groups are experiencing higher burdens or shifts in trends.
The specific objectives of the project are:
To measure the incidence of rare cancers in Ireland using population-level registry data.
To describe mortality linked to rare cancers and track how this has changed across set time periods.
To assess trends in both incidence and mortality to determine whether they are rising, falling, or remaining stable.
To explore differences in the distribution of rare cancers based on demographic and deprivation-related characteristics.
The findings from this research should offer a clearer picture of the current epidemiology of rare cancers in Ireland and help pinpoint groups that may require further attention, whether through research, earlier diagnosis, or service planning. Overall, the project aims to contribute evidence that can support better policy development, resource allocation, and awareness efforts related to rare cancers within the Irish healthcare system.