Ireland's First Cancer Prevention Theatre Opens in Cork
Ireland's first cancer prevention theatre opens in Cork, offering risk-reducing surgery for people at high genetic risk of developing the disease.
Cork has become home to Ireland's first dedicated theatre resource for cancer prevention surgery, marking a significant advancement in preventative healthcare. The new facility at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), operating in partnership with Cork University Hospital (CUH), is one of only a handful of such dedicated resources across Europe.
The protected theatre resource provides regular surgical slots for people at high genetic or clinical risk of developing cancer. Between scheduled prevention sessions, the theatre remains available for other specialties, maximising its use across the health service.
The facility represents the final component of a comprehensive regional prevention programme that integrates rapid genetic testing, specialist risk clinics, radiological surveillance, and psychological support alongside surgical and reconstructive expertise.
The programme offers protected theatre slots for risk-reducing surgery, with an integrated pathway covering specialist nursing and genetics assessment through to surveillance or surgical options in breast and gynaecological care. Patients receive holistic support including psychology services, advanced nursing care, and reconstructive plastic surgery when required.
Professor Mark Corrigan, Surgical Oncologist at Cork University Hospital, said:
"This opening of this new dedicated cancer prevention theatre in Cork is a remarkable achievement. This initiative matters because up to 40% of cancers are preventable; 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."
He added that the regional model demonstrates how targeted investment in prevention can deliver operationally sustainable, patient-centred care. With Phases 1 and 2 focused on cancer, planning is already underway for future phases to broaden prevention beyond cancer, with a dedicated regional prevention facility scheduled to open in 2027.
Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West, said:
"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 achievement has been driven by 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 and gynaecology departments, specialist nursing and psychology services, and the CUH Charity.
The model has been designed to be scalable and replicable across other regions in Ireland and throughout Europe.