Cancer Advocacy
Keeping cancer on the Government's agenda and lobbying on behalf of cancer patients and their loved ones
Joint Committee on Health: National Cancer Strategy
Opening statement from Nikki Gallagher, CEO Irish Cancer Society, 15 July 2026.
The Irish Cancer Society was pleased to be invited to the Oireachtas Health Committee today to discuss the next National Cancer Strategy. CEO Nikki Gallagher outlined our priorities for the strategy in order to best place people at the heart of cancer care. You can read her opening statement to the Committee below:
Pre-budget Submission 2027
The Irish Cancer Society is calling for a realistic approach to capital planning and funding cancer care infrastructure; a reduction in the costs of cancer for cancer patients; and the provision of the foundations that will set the new National Cancer Strategy up to succeed.
Right to be forgotten after cancer
We're campaigning for reform to ensure people affected by cancer have fair access to financial products like life insurance, and mortgage and income protection insurance.
Energy hardship at end-of-life
People experience a great financial burden after a cancer diagnosis: household income tends to decrease, while day-to-day costs remain and new costs emerge. These costs can be very difficult for patients receiving palliative home care and their carers to bear, particularly household bills.
Pre-budget Submission 2026
We are urging the Government to address the cost related to a cancer diagnosis in Budget 2026. Recommendations include abolition of hospital parking fees for cancer patients, automatic entitlement to medical cards, and a reduction of the drugs payment scheme threshold to €40 per month or less.
The real Cost of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer
Each year, approximately 200 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. Families and adult survivors can face many challenges as a result, not least financial.
The work of our Volunteers
Our advocacy volunteers engage with elected representatives and policy makers amongst others to influence the decisions being made in favour of cancer patients.
Become an advocacy volunteer
As an Advocacy Volunteer you will be part of a nationwide team. Together with the Irish Cancer Society’s advocacy team you will work on selected campaigns.
See other volunteer roles
We have lots of opportunities for volunteers across our services.
Latest Cancer Advocacy News
Launch of the Smokefree Generation Alliance
Wednesday, 11th November 2026: The Irish Cancer Society was proud to join youth groups and public health, patient and professional representatives from across the island of Ireland in Dublin city centre to launch the Smokefree Generation Alliance.
Migrant Communities: Needs Assessment
One in five people living in Ireland was born outside the State. To date, little evidence is available on immigrant communities’ access to cancer and healthcare services. Click the link to learn more.
New Report Highlights Need for Action on Cancer Inequalities
European Cancer Organisation Launches Ireland Country Report
Marginalised groups struggle to access Breast Screening, Irish Cancer Society warns
1st October 2025: More must be done to increase the uptake of breast screening, particularly among marginalised communities, the Irish Cancer Society has warned. The charity’s call comes ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and in advance of this year’s Budget. Read more via the link below.
