“This initiative matters because up to 40% of cancers are preventable,” according to Professor Mark Corrigan, Surgical Oncologist, Cork University Hospital (CUH), speaking as HSE South West opened a new protected theatre resource dedicated to cancer prevention surgery for people at high genetic or clinical risk. Prof Corrigan noted how “earlier identification and timely risk reducing interventions will reduce cancer incidence, improve outcomes and spare families the concern of a cancer diagnosis for their loved ones.
“Fewer cancers also mean fewer patients needing complex treatment, lower long term costs and resources freed for other critical health services. Our regional model shows that targeted investment in prevention can deliver operationally sustainable, patient-centred care. And with Phases 1 and 2 focused on cancer, we are now already planning future phases to broaden prevention beyond cancer with a dedicated regional prevention facility opening in 2027.”
This new initiative is one of only a handful of dedicated cancer-prevention theatre resources in Europe and marks a major step forward for prevention-led care in the region and nationally.
The protected theatre resource secures regular time and beds for risk-reducing surgery while allowing the theatre to be used by other specialties between booked sessions to maximise utilisation. Importantly, it forms the final, essential element of a comprehensive regional prevention programme that links rapid genetic testing, specialist risk clinics, radiological surveillance, surgical and reconstructive expertise, and one-to-one psychological and specialist nursing support.
It allows for protected theatre slots for risk-reducing surgery at SIVUH (St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin) in partnership with CUH. It also provides an integrated risk pathway starting with specialist nursing and genetics assessment, through surveillance or surgical options in breast and gynaecology. They further offer holistic support including psychology, advanced nursing, and reconstructive plastic surgery options. A scalable model has also been designed to be replicated across regions in Ireland and Europe.
The project has been driven by regional collaboration across clinical, academic and community partners, including the Transforming Theatre Programme and University College Cork. Key contributors include CUH’s genetics team, surgical oncology, breast, gynaecology, specialist nursing and psychology services, and the CUH Charity.
Congratulating all involved, Dr Andy Phillips, REO HSE South West noted how
“this protected theatre resource and integrated prevention pathway is a proud milestone for the South West and for our patients. It gives people clear, timely options to reduce cancer risk and creates a model that can be adopted across Ireland and Europe. The rapid rollout of local genetic testing and the establishment of a coordinated clinical pathway means families can access answers and interventions much sooner than before.”
The initiative is also an illustration of how the HSE Corporate Plan priority of the right care being provided through the delivery of value in health and social care is being achieved through the implementation of “clinical pathways and models of care that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services in areas such as cancer.”