Cancer is a complex and serious disease that affects countless people around the world. It is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can be divided into different types and stages, based on where it originated in the body, how aggressive it is, and how far it has spread. Diagnosis often involves physical examination by a specialist, blood tests, imaging tests (like CT scans or MRIs), and biopsies to check for cancer cells. Treatment options vary, depending on the type, and the stage, of the cancer. Your treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy etc.
Common types of cancer in Ireland today are breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, bowel cancer and skin cancer. Each type presents differently and requires different treatments based on your individual needs.
Breast cancer: affects the mammary glands
Lung cancer: affects the lungs and airways
Prostate cancer: is a malignant tumour that forms in the prostate gland of men
Bowel cancer: affects the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) tract such as oesophagus and stomach, or the lower GI tract such as colon and rectum
Skin cancer: usually appears as unusual moles or growths on the surface of the skin.
As well as these five common types, there are many other forms of this disease that can affect any part of the body.
Oncology at Blackrock Health
At Blackrock Health, our three hospitals have a history of providing fast and easy access to extensive diagnostic facilities and expert medical or surgical care for patients with cancer. We have invested heavily, both in technology, and in an expert oncology team. This ensures that we can deliver cancer care tailored to the needs of each individual patient. Our expert consultants and dedicated multidisciplinary teams are here for you. We aim to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate treatment possible in your cancer journey. We are committed to the highest standards of care and have earned a reputation as one of the leaders in the field of private oncology care in Ireland.
If you receive a cancer diagnosis
Blackrock Health’s cancer care teams understand that responding to a cancer diagnosis can be a very difficult and overwhelming process. You can trust that at our hospitals we will provide you with the best possible care for your individual needs. We will help you explore your available treatment options and make an informed decision.
Thanks to advances in treatment for many cancers, long-term patient outcomes have improved in recent years. Blackrock Health has teams of experts who work across our three hospitals to help people with cancer and blood disorders. We offer screening and prevention, diagnostics, treatments, and management for many forms of cancer.
Our specialists use high-tech tools to find out what kind of cancer you have and to tailor a treatment plan will best suits your diagnosis.
Our expert team
Across the Blackrock Health group of hospitals, we offer a complete and tailored cancer care service from an expert team. Depending on the hospital you attend, this may include:
Consultant medical oncologists
Consultant haematologists
Consultant pathologists
Consultant radiation oncologists
Consultant radiologists
Consultant surgeons
Palliative Care Consultants
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Medical Social Workers
Full health and social care support teams
Oncology nurse specialists
As well as medical support, our team provide education, counselling, and other resources for anyone affected by a diagnosis. We offer care support across all aspects of cancer, from diagnosis to the management of advanced stage cancer.
Our priority is to make treatment and recovery as comfortable as possible. You will be looked after by our multidisciplinary team in a dedicated oncology ward or oncology day unit.
Services
We provide cancer care across our three hospitals. Details of the services offered in each location will vary. Across the group we offer:
Cancer diagnostics
Medical oncology
Immunotherapy
Radiotherapy
Brachytherapy
CyberKnife treatment
Surgery
Cancer Support Services
Ongoing symptom management
Support via Daffodil Centre in the Hermitage Clinic
Patient and family education
Counselling
Connection with national cancer support groups
Dieticians
Palliative care
Advanced cancer care
Diagnosis, Treatment and Supports
Diagnosis
Diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a complex process. During diagnosis, patients may undergo tests and scans to determine the type of cancer and extent of spread within the body. No matter what treatment path you choose, we aim to provide you with compassionate support throughout. Research into new treatments continues to provide hope for people living with cancer. Blackrock Health invests in the latest technologies and offers access to cutting-edge treatments provided by our expert teams.
Treatment
The Blackrock Health cancer care team is equipped to provide a wide range of expert treatment options. Once we confirm a diagnosis, your consultant oncologist will discuss the options available to you. Our recommendations will depend on the type and progression of your cancer.
Options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. In some cases, we may suggest palliative care for people with advanced stages of cancer - to provide symptom relief and improve quality of life.
Radiation Therapy
Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is a common treatment for lots of different kinds of cancer. Radiotherapy can be given in different ways: from a machine outside the body, or by putting something radioactive inside the body (brachytherapy). It is used to stop cancer from growing, to shrink a tumour before surgery, or to help with symptoms caused by the cancer. You might get radiotherapy by itself or along with other treatments, like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (chemo) is a treatment for cancer that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs go through your whole body so they can get rid of cancer cells that might be somewhere else. Chemotherapy can be given in different ways: through a drip, pills, or an injection. It is used to stop cancer from growing or to shrink a tumour before surgery. You might get chemo by itself or along with other treatments, including radiation or surgery. Chemo can cause some side effects such as feeling sick or tired, and there are effective medicines to help with these.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment for cancer that helps your body's own immune system fight the cancer. The immune system is the body's way of fighting off infections and sickness. Immunotherapy uses special drugs to help the immune system find and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be given in different ways, including by tablet, through a drip or by injection. It can cause side effects such as feeling tired or having a rash, and these can be treated.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy involves the use of drugs to control your body’s hormone levels. This affects the growth of tumours in hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast or prostate cancer.
Supports
Palliative Care
Palliative care relieves symptoms or side effects of treatment. It aims to improve quality of life while you are receiving treatment for an illness. This care may also continue once treatment is complete. Palliative care aims to ensure your comfort while respecting your and your family's needs, values, beliefs, and culture.
You do not need to have a terminal diagnosis to receive palliative care. Palliative care aims to offer some relief from pain, discomfort, and other side effects during treatment. Palliative care can begin at any stage of treatment, from diagnosis onwards. Your oncologist may request the support of a palliative care consultant for pain management and symptom relief.
Dietician Support
Blackrock Health hospitals offer access to our team of dietitians for our cancer patients. This service is open to you if you have been diagnosed with cancer, are undergoing treatment, or are in recovery.
The aim of this service is to ensure you get the best possible nutrition while undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments. Side effects caused by cancer, or its treatment, can often make eating a difficult task, and we aim to support you to overcome this.
Daffodil Centre at The Hermitage Clinic
Daffodil Centres are part of the Irish Cancer Society’s information service. They are based in hospitals around the country. We host one of these services at the Hermitage Clinic.
Here you can connect with cancer nurses and trained volunteers about any concerns you may have. They are there to listen, and to help you find the support you need. Daffodil Centres are open to all, and no GP referral or appointment is needed : Daffodil Centre Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic | Irish Cancer Society
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health oncology services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
FAQ's
What is Oncology
Oncology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Oncologists are medical doctors who specialise in the management of cancer and work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.
What type of cancer do oncologists treat?
Oncologists treat various types of cancer, including but not limited to breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer (such as melanoma), leukaemia, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and brain tumours.
What are the common signs and symptoms of cancer?
Common signs and symptoms of cancer may include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in bowel or bladder habits, unusual bleeding or discharge, persistent cough or hoarseness, lumps or bumps that persist or grow, changes in moles or skin lesions, and unexplained pain.
How is cancer diagnosed?
Cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans), laboratory tests (such as blood tests or tumour markers), and biopsy procedures to analyse tissue samples under a microscope.
What are the treatment options for cancer?
Treatment for cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
What is cancer staging?
Cancer staging is a system used to describe the extent of cancer spread and helps guide treatment decisions. Staging is based on factors such as tumour size, extent of lymph node involvement, and presence of metastasis (spread to distant organs). Common staging systems include the TNM system and the AJCC staging system.
What supportive care services are available for cancer patients?
Supportive care services for cancer patients aim to improve quality of life and manage symptoms related to cancer and its treatment. These services may include pain management, palliative care, nutritional support, psychosocial support, rehabilitation services, and survivorship care planning.
What are survivorship care?
Survivorship care focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, and practical needs of cancer survivors after completing treatment. It includes regular follow-up care, monitoring for cancer recurrence or late effects of treatment, addressing long-term side effects, and promoting overall health and wellness.
Can cancer be prevented?
While not all cancers are preventable, certain lifestyle choices and risk factors can influence cancer risk. Prevention strategies may include maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, protecting against sun exposure, and participating in cancer screening programs.
How do I access Oncology services?
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment. Please see our Request Appointment Form here.
My health insurance and costs for Oncology services
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page here, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page here. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
