The most common cancer in males in Ireland — and the key facts

Dr Niamh Bambury

Aspire Fellow in Cancer Intelligence, National Cancer Registry Ireland and National Cancer Control Programme

National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows the number of invasive cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed in both males and females averaged 24,327 during 2018–2020. The most common cancer in males was prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer accounted for 30% of all cancers diagnosed in men. Colorectal (bowel) cancer, lung cancer, melanoma of the skin, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were the second, third, fourth and fifth most common cancers in males, respectively. For the same period, the most common cancer which caused death was lung cancer for both males and females in Ireland, followed by prostate cancer and colorectal cancer in men.

The most common cancer in males and the statistics

Prostate cancer diagnosed in men accounted for an average of 3,941 cases in 2018–2020 (30% of cancer diagnosed in men, excluding the non-melanoma skin cancers).

Prostate cancer occurs most commonly in older men with 97% diagnosed over the age of 50 years.

It is the second most common cause of death due to cancer in males, after lung cancer, accounting for 605 deaths on average in the same period. However, the chances of survival five years after diagnosis with prostate cancer are high at 93% (2014–2018).

Prostate cancer diagnosed at a later stage has a poorer prognosis and overall survival. Early information from the NCRI has demonstrated that the number of people diagnosed with prostate cancer was reduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, so people should see their GP if concerned about any urinary symptoms.

Risk factors and treatment for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer occurs most commonly in older men with 97% diagnosed over the age of 50 years. Race is also a risk factor with Black-African men at higher risk compared to White men — and the lowest risk in Asian men. Men with a family history of prostate cancer in a father, son or brother are at higher risk; and those with genetic mutations (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2) and certain syndromes (Lynch Syndrome) are also at higher risk.

A recent major report by the NCRI demonstrated that prostate cancer is more common in men living in more affluent areas in Ireland. However, survival five years after diagnosis with prostate cancer is poorer in those living in more deprived areas. Men living in more deprived areas have a higher risk of presenting with a more advanced stage at diagnosis compared to men in more affluent areas.

The most common treatment regimens for prostate cancer are radiotherapy, hormone therapy and surgery.