New figures show a major difference in cancer survival rates between people from Ireland's richest and poorest communities.

The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) says poor access to healthcare is a major contributing factor for people in deprived areas.

The organisation is calling for better GP care as a first step towards tackling the issue.

The new data has been compiled by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.

The data shows significant differences in the five-year survival rates for colorectal cancer – 64% for least deprived against 56% for the most deprived – and lung cancer – 22% for the least deprived against 16% for the most deprived.

Kathleen O'Meara, head of advocacy and communications with the ICS, says the figures are stark.

"This concerns a trend which we are already aware of - but what this shows is that, in Ireland, the five year survival rate for people in the least deprived communities, in other words the most affluent communities, is in general 64% compared to 55% for those in the most deprived areas" she said.

"People in these communities need more time with GPs, need to be able to get to GPs - and also those GPs need to ensure that all of their patients can get to hospital and get the tests which they need to detect cancer early".

"Unfortunately there is evidence to show that this isn't happening" she added.

She told Newstalk Breakfast several issues are impacting on people's health.