Irish Cancer Prevention Network

Áine Lyng, The National Cancer Control Programme

The Irish Cancer Prevention Network (ICPN) has been established following learning from the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network. The network founding members are The Marie Keating Foundation, The Irish Cancer Society, Breakthrough Cancer Research and The National Cancer Control Programme. Partnered working between organisations strengthens the aim to reduce cancer risk for the people of Ireland. The ICPN will bring those specifically working in cancer prevention together to:
• align with Ireland’s National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026
• support national programmes with a unified voice
• collaborate on cancer prevention initiatives in Ireland
• agree consistent evidence based cancer prevention public awareness messages
• disseminate up to date cancer prevention research
• support members and organisations in cancer prevention queries
• facilitate peer learning
World Cancer Day 2019 marked the launch of the ICPN. As the first initiative, the ICPN teamed up with parkrun to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in preventing cancer and improving quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer. Parkrun is a free, weekly, 5km timed run held every Saturday morning at various locations around Ireland.Regular exercise can reduce your risk of bowel cancer, breast cancer and cancer of the womb. A large turnout of around 10,000 parkrun participants took part under the theme “Bring a friend to parkrun on the 2nd of February for World Cancer Day to reduce risk of cancer and support those living with and beyond cancer”

Other interested parties are welcome to link with the ICPN, please contact aine.lyng@cancercontrol.ie