One year ago, UCAN was launched with a simple but powerful ambition:
to bring cancer advocates together across Ireland and speak with one united voice on the issues that matter most to patients.
In just 12 months, we have moved from idea to action.
We have:
– Engaged directly with Government, including outlining patient priorities with the Minister for Health
– Contributed to national discussions on medicines access, reimbursement timelines, and early access pathways
– Participated in national forums on cancer data and digital health, ensuring the patient voice is part of the conversation
– Supported clinical research engagement through Cancer Trials Ireland and wider advocacy
– Consistently highlighted the reality of delays in diagnosis, treatment, and access to new therapies
We have not shied away from saying where the system is not working and where patients are being left waiting too long.
**What makes UCAN different**
– We are patient-led
– We represent many cancers and locations across the Island
– We focus on fixing the system
– We bring lived experience and evidence together
This past year has shown what is possible when advocates come together with purpose and clarity.
It has also been shaped by people who are no longer with us.
We remember Niamh Conroy and James Hastings, founding members of UCAN. Their legacy lives on in UCAN, and through the Conroy–Hastings Memorial Prize, which will recognise meaningful patient involvement and real impact in the years ahead.
But the reality is — the work is only beginning.
Patients in Ireland are still waiting too long for access to medicines & still facing delays in diagnosis and treatment
UCAN will continue to focus on what matters most to patients:
– Improving access to innovation, including the introduction of early access programmes
– Expanding and improving access to clinical trials across Ireland
– Driving meaningful action on the next National Cancer Strategy
– Improving access to, and uptake of, cancer screening
– Ensuring equity of access to care across the island
Stronger together. Always.
By Miriam Staunton|2026-05-14T09:09:11+00:00May 14, 2026|News|Comments Off on Happy Birthday to Us – One year of UCAN Ireland
One year ago, UCAN was launched with a simple but powerful ambition:
to bring cancer advocates together across Ireland and speak with one united voice on the issues that matter most to patients.
In just 12 months, we have moved from idea to action.
We have:
– Engaged directly with Government, including outlining patient priorities with the Minister for Health
– Contributed to national discussions on medicines access, reimbursement timelines, and early access pathways
– Participated in national forums on cancer data and digital health, ensuring the patient voice is part of the conversation
– Supported clinical research engagement through Cancer Trials Ireland and wider advocacy
– Consistently highlighted the reality of delays in diagnosis, treatment, and access to new therapies
We have not shied away from saying where the system is not working and where patients are being left waiting too long.
**What makes UCAN different**
– We are patient-led
– We represent many cancers and locations across the Island
– We focus on fixing the system
– We bring lived experience and evidence together
This past year has shown what is possible when advocates come together with purpose and clarity.
It has also been shaped by people who are no longer with us.
We remember Niamh Conroy and James Hastings, founding members of UCAN. Their legacy lives on in UCAN, and through the Conroy–Hastings Memorial Prize, which will recognise meaningful patient involvement and real impact in the years ahead.
But the reality is — the work is only beginning.
Patients in Ireland are still waiting too long for access to medicines & still facing delays in diagnosis and treatment
UCAN will continue to focus on what matters most to patients:
– Improving access to innovation, including the introduction of early access programmes
– Expanding and improving access to clinical trials across Ireland
– Driving meaningful action on the next National Cancer Strategy
– Improving access to, and uptake of, cancer screening
– Ensuring equity of access to care across the island
Stronger together. Always.