Ireland's first cancer prevention theatre opens in Cork

Ireland’s first dedicated cancer prevention theatre has officially opened at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), in partnership with Cork University Hospital (CUH).

The Health Service Executive’s (HSE) South West branch said the initiative represents Ireland’s first protected theatre resource dedicated to cancer prevention surgery for people at high genetic or clinical risk.

This new theatre pathway 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.

According to the HSE, 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.

The service said it also forms the final essential element of a comprehensive regional prevention programme, which links rapid genetic testing, specialist risk clinics, radiological surveillance, surgical and reconstructive expertise, and one-to-one psychological and specialist nursing support.

This programme 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.

Professor Mark Corrigan, surgical oncologist at CUH, said the opening of the 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,” said Mr Corrigan.

“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 already planning future phases to broaden prevention beyond cancer and a dedicated regional prevention facility opening 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,” Ms Lynch said.

“The rapid roll-out of local genetic testing and the establishment of a co-ordinated clinical pathway means families can access answers and interventions much sooner than before.”