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The Irish Cancer Society’s Patient and Volunteer Gathering will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 10.30am to 4pm at the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, Church Road. This free, special event is an opportunity for cancer patients, survivors and volunteers to come together locally, connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. The gathering will also bring together a wide range of speakers who will highlight the supports available in the community and share their expert knowledge on living well through and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Looking ahead to the gathering and encouraging people to register for free, Mary Quinn, Head of Service Operations at the Irish Cancer Society says: “Each year in Ireland, an estimated 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer and over 200,000 people in Ireland are currently living with and beyond cancer. As these numbers grow, we want to be there to tell each and every individual and family impacted by a cancer diagnosis that you are not alone. There is a vibrant and active community here in Ireland willing to share and discuss their personal experience, and the Irish Cancer Society is here to provide support.” She continued: “Taking place in Blanchardstown in west Dublin, this gathering, which runs from 10.30am through to 4pm, is completely free to register and attend. We’re particularly calling on people affected by cancer in Dublin and surrounding counties to come along. You will have the opportunity to meet specialised, expert cancer healthcare professionals who will present and discuss areas of concern for cancer patients. We encourage anybody affected by a cancer diagnosis, whether you are a patient and well enough to join us, or you are a survivor, a carer or a loved one of somebody, come along and meet people and make use of the supports and services that are there for you.” Guest speakers will include: Dr Claire Kilty, Head of Research at Irish Cancer Society, will discuss some of the common myths around cancer, and provide clarity to ensure the information received is evidence-based. Veronica McSharry, Oncology Dietician, will discuss diet and nutrition and provide evidence-based information during and after a cancer diagnosis. Dr Caroline Leek, Founder of the Fruitfly Collective, will giveadvice on being a parent while also being a cancer patient and hopes to empower parents, or those in a care giving role, to understand how to talk to and support their children through a cancer diagnosis. Louise Kelly, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Sexual Health, Menopause and Fertility with ICS/TSJCI Young Onset Cancer Programme at St James’s Hospital, will provide information about sex and sexuality while dealing with cancer, including side-effects from treatment and the impact of cancer on relationships and how to navigate these concerns. To register for the Irish Cancer Society’s Patient and Volunteer Gathering in Dublin, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-cancer-society-patient-and-volunteer-gathering-dublin-tickets-1734915582209?aff=erelexpmlt&keep_tld=1 For confidential advice, support and information on any cancer issue, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700.
