Through the public's generous support, the Irish Cancer Society funds research in line with our mission to ensure fewer people get cancer and those that do have better outcomes. We always keep people affected by cancer at the heart of everything we do.
Since 2021, the Society has been funding research specifically looking at improving cancer outcomes and supports for marginalised and underserved communities in Ireland. This research intends to inform not only the Irish Cancer Society, but also government, policy makers and the wider public so we can make healthcare more accessible and equitable for all.
The purpose of this funding call is to provide new evidence on improving the inclusion of underserved or marginalised groups and communities in cancer care. In this instance, underserved or marginalised groups include those with a higher healthcare burden that is not matched by the supports and services that are currently available.
The Society does not wish to be over prescriptive with the type of research conducted; the focus should be on how the research will provide a tangible benefit to those who need improved access to cancer care. While life expectancy and cancer outcomes have improved, this has occurred unequally. Therefore, research proposals should address the impact of the social determinants of health. Research proposals should not focus on specific poor prognosis cancer types, but rather on the social determinants of health.
