Rare Cancers
Rare Cancers
February 28th is Rare Diseases Day. We would like to take a moment to highlight rare cancers.
There are over 200 different types of cancer. Rare cancers are uncommon cancers, only a small number of people are diagnosed with these cancers each year. They are defined as rare when the amount of people who are diagnosed with it is equal to or less than 6 new cases per 100,000 persons in one year. Around 1 in 5 cancers diagnosed in Europe is rare.
Having a rare cancer can be difficult to cope with as there may be less information available about your type of cancer. People with a rare cancer may also feel more isolated as they are less likely to meet another person with the same cancer. It is important to know that you are not alone, we can provide you with information about help and supports that are available for you.
More information about rare cancers can be found on our website: Rare cancers | Irish Cancer Society. If you would loke to speak with one of our cancer nurses please call the Support Line on 1800 200 700, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Comments
Hi Pauline
Thank you for posting your message on our online community. It must have been very difficult going through treatment abroad without the support of family and friends nearby.
I see you have not heard from others who have been diagnosed with a rare cancer. It is good the treatment for your cancer is finished but I am sorry to hear of the life changing side effects you are living with.
It would be great Pauline if you could phone our support line and speak to a cancer nurse. There may be different avenues of support that you might find helpful. I do hope we will hear from you. Our support line number is 1800 200 700 and we are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm.
Kind regards
Cancer Nurse
Hi Pauline,
I'm new to this community and have just found your post, I was recently diagnosed with the same, ocular melanoma in January. I have just come through my second surgery and am looking to talk to someone with a similar experience. I was lucky to have my treatment here in Ireland but am also struggling to find much support or people with this type of cancer experience I can speak too. It's been a scary road so far.. I hope you are doing well now
Hi,
Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with the very rare Ocular Melanoma last August 2022. Not only was there little to no support here in Ireland, I had to travel to the UK for all my treatment. I never felt so isolated and scared in my life. Thankfully I am on the other side of the illness now but I do have some life changing side effects from the illness and treatment. Again this is difficult to deal with when so few people have gone through it and there is no community support.