The Irish Cancer Epidemiology Network (ICEN) is a recently established network that aims to increase cancer epidemiological research activities in Ireland. Cancer epidemiology has an important role in providing evidence for cancer control and requires multidisciplinary collaborations with molecular and clinical, environmental and geophysical epidemiologists, pharmacoepidemiololgists alongside statisticians, data scientists, psycho-oncologists, health economists and public health specialists. Cancer accounts for one quarter of all Irish deaths and incidence is expected to double by 2045 [1]. The National Cancer Strategy [2] aims to reduce cancer burden through early diagnosis, optimal treatment and better survivorship care. There is an urgent need to enhance cancer epidemiology research in Ireland to complement these initiatives. The purpose of this symposium is to build ICEN and improve population based cancer epidemiological research in Ireland through identification of original research ideas, developing capacity building training opportunities and enhance current epidemiological research initiatives. It will address challenges in conducting cancer epidemiological research in Ireland including data access, collaborations, transfer of knowledge to policymakers and improving public engagement. Currently collaborative activity in cancer epidemiology is incidental or a consequence of specific individual initiatives. Preliminary meetings of this group have been enthusiastically attended, demonstrating a demand and need for this network to be formally established.
The objectives are to:
Formalise ICEN’s structure and governance.
Bring together multidisciplinary research and stakeholders from across the Irish cancer epidemiological spectrum.
Promote and enhance cancer epidemiological research and training opportunities.
Develop partnerships with patient organisations.
