Cancer leaders unveil all-Island plan to build digital research powerhouse to transform cancer research

(L-R) Professor Mark Lawler, Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast and Co-Lead of the eHealth Hub for Cancer; Margaret Grayson, Patient Advocate, Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF); Minister of Health for Northern Ireland, Mike Nesbitt; Miriam Staunton, Chairperson, United Cancer Advocates Network Ireland (UCAN); and Professor Aedin Culhane, Professor of Cancer at University of Limerick and Programme Co-Lead of the eHealth Hub for Cancer Genomics.

Cancer leaders from across Ireland and Northern Ireland have unveiled ambitious new plans to create an all-Island digital cancer research powerhouse, as pressure mounts to address rising cancer rates and improve patient outcomes.

The proposals were endorsed at the All-Island Cancer Data Forum 2026, which convened in Belfast under the eHealth Hub for Cancer, an all-Island research programme led by Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Limerick.

Bringing together senior figures from government, research, clinical practice, patient advocacy and health policy, the Forum reached a consensus on the urgent need for closer cross-border cooperation to reduce the cancer burden through better use of data, shared standards and modern digital infrastructure.

At the heart of the discussions was the endorsement of Harnessing Cancer Data for Better Health, a seven-point roadmap designed to position Ireland and Northern Ireland as a global leader in data-driven cancer research.

Central to the plan is the creation of an All-Island Cancer Data Innovation Co-Centre, intended to accelerate research, improve clinical decision-making and support innovation across health services north and south.

The Forum will now work with partners to improve health data information-sharing across the island in key areas such as genomics and tumour imaging, cancer treatment options, and more coordinated enrolment in clinical trials.

Leaders said such collaboration could significantly speed up access to new therapies and ensure patients benefit more quickly from research breakthroughs.

(L-R) Professor Aedin Culhane, Professor of Cancer at University of Limerick and Programme Co-Lead of the eHealth Hub for Cancer Genomics, Minister of Health for Northern Ireland, Mike Nesbitt and Professor Mark Lawler, Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast and Co-Lead of the eHealth Hub for Cancer

Speaking at the event, Northern Ireland’s Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt, highlighted recent progress in digital health transformation.

“I am delighted to welcome the All-Island Cancer Data Forum to Belfast. Our recent successful implementation of the encompass programme across Northern Ireland is already driving a digital transformation across our health service.

“We also recently launched the Cancer Research Framework Strategy which has a significant data component, and I am pleased Professor Lawler will be co-leading its implementation. Data informed cancer research and innovation leads to better outcomes for our patients.”

The urgency of the initiative was underlined by stark figures shared at the Forum. Cancer is the leading cause of death across the island of Ireland, accounting for around 30 per cent of all deaths each year. Without decisive action, the number of new cancer diagnoses is projected to double by 2045, driven by population ageing and increasing risk factors.

Professor Mark Lawler, Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast and Co-Lead of the eHealth Hub for Cancer, said the scale of the challenge demands a coordinated response.

“Ireland’s cancer mortality rate remains 5.4% higher than the EU average and ranks third highest in Western Europe, despite significant improvements over the past decade. This challenge demands coordinated, data-driven intervention across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“Our seven-point plan provides a clear roadmap that underpins a unique opportunity for the island of Ireland to be a global digital powerhouse, driving research and innovation that ensures clinical benefit for our patients and an economic dividend for our societies north and south.”

For patients and families affected by cancer, leaders stressed that better data sharing is not an abstract concept but a practical step towards earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatment and fairer access to clinical trials regardless of postcode.

Professor Aedin Culhane, Programme Co-Lead of the eHealth Hub for Cancer and Professor of Cancer Genomics at the University of Limerick, said trust and interoperability will be crucial.

“Implementing trusted and interoperable data standards is fundamental to innovation in cancer research.

“By opening communication and supporting alignment of data standards, Ireland and Northern Ireland can collectively unlock the full value of cancer data -safely, securely, and for everyone’s benefit.”

Organisers said the Belfast Forum marked an important milestone, but emphasised that sustained political commitment, public trust and continued collaboration will be essential if the all-Island vision is to translate into real-world improvements in cancer prevention, treatment and survival.