New research from the National Cancer Registry (NCRI) shows the risk of Irish men developing lung and prostate cancer is on the decline.
The report, which is available here, shows that the rate of diagnosis of invasive cancer in men reached a plateau over the period of 2008-2013.
However, overall the level of cancer cases here continues to rise, with an ageing population one factor behind the increase.
There is also no evidence of a plateau for women, with the rate of invasive cancers diagnosed rising by around 1% annually over the last two decades.
Dr Harry Comber, Acting Director of the NCRI, says lung and prostate cancer becoming less prevalent has helped the risk rate plateau for men.
The figures also show that the incidence of lung cancer among women has risen at a rate of 2% annually from 1994 to 2013 - making it the second most common cancer diagnosed in women after breast cancer.
Speaking following the release of the NCRI figures, Kathleen O’Meara - Head of Advocacy and Communications at the Irish Cancer Society - said, “we need to look at ways in which we can prevent cancer rather than simply focusing on diagnostics and treatment.
"We know that certain cancers can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes. This is one way that we can take on the rising incidence of cancer and we are calling for this to be addressed in the new National Cancer Strategy," she added.
