Official statistics - Northern Ireland Cancer Registry

Figures from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry have found that the number of cancer diagnoses in Northern Ireland has increased by 9% for female breast cancer and 6% for lung cancer.

The report also found that survival rates have improved for many cancers, including lung, colorectal, female breast, oesophageal and stomach cancer.

The increase in cancer diagnoses is partly due to an aging population and increased screening. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on cancer diagnosis. There was a significant decrease in the number of diagnoses in 2020. This was likely due to people delaying seeking medical attention. There was also a rebound increase in bowel cancer (up 17%) and breast cancer (up 9%) in 2021 compared to 2018-19.

The findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of cancer.

Here are some of the key findings of the report:

• The number of cancer diagnoses in Northern Ireland has increased by 9% for female breast cancer and 6% for lung cancer.
• Survival rates have improved for many cancers, including lung, colorectal, female breast, oesophageal and stomach cancer.
• The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on cancer diagnosis. There was a significant decrease in the number of diagnoses in 2020.
• There was a rebound increase in bowel cancer (up 17%) and breast cancer (up 9%) in 2021 compared to 2018-19.