First National Report on Cancer Awareness in Traveller Community Highlights Progress and Persistent Barriers

A landmark study on cancer awareness and attitudes within the Traveller community has been published by the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in partnership with Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre and University College Dublin (UCD). The first research of its kind in Ireland, the report sheds new light on cancer knowledge, screening participation and the profound impact of social determinants on Traveller health.

The co-designed study aimed to assess Travellers’ understanding of cancer risk factors, awareness of symptoms, and the barriers and enablers that influence health-seeking behaviour and access to screening. Healthcare professionals were also surveyed to provide parallel insights into system-level challenges and opportunities.

The research was made possible through the involvement of Traveller Community Health Workers nationwide, who coordinated and collected data from 483 surveys and supported recruitment for detailed interviews with both Travellers and healthcare staff.

Key Findings

The report reveals encouraging improvements in health literacy and screening participation among Travellers. A large majority of respondents recognised that lifestyle changes can reduce cancer risk. Smoking was widely identified as a risk factor (88%), while awareness of the dangers of ultraviolet radiation was strong—92% named sunbeds as a risk and 78% highlighted sunburn.

Most participants recognised lumps, bumps and changing moles as possible warning signs of cancer. However, other symptoms—such as persistent coughing or unintentional weight loss—were less well known.

Traveller Primary Health Care Workers play a pivotal role in screening uptake, with 28% of respondents identifying them as key enablers. Receiving a direct invitation to screening was also noted as important (27%).

Despite progress, significant barriers remain. Many Travellers reported reluctance to discuss symptoms with a doctor’s receptionist (37%), fear of diagnosis (32%), and concerns about requiring further tests (31%).

Impact of Social Determinants of Health

The report underscores the substantial and ongoing effects of racism, discrimination, poor living conditions and low literacy levels on Traveller health. These social determinants continue to hinder efforts to adopt healthier behaviours, participate in screening programmes and access timely healthcare.

Traveller Health Care Workers are viewed positively and recognised as crucial to improving community health outcomes through trust-building, cultural understanding and practical support.

Voices From the Partnership

Dr Una Kennedy, GP Advisor to the NCCP, emphasised the significance of the research:
“This is the first study of its kind to be undertaken in Ireland. The findings provide important baseline data to inform effective cancer prevention and early diagnosis initiatives as well as future policy priorities.”

Lynsey Kavanagh, Director of Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, highlighted the importance of collaboration:
“This research clearly shows the value of co-designed work between Traveller organisations, the HSE and academic institutions. While the findings reveal improved health literacy and higher screening rates, they also confirm persistent barriers linked to social determinants and discrimination. Traveller organisations must be actively included as the next National Cancer Strategy is developed.”

Dr Patricia Fox, Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at UCD, called for a cross-government response:
“A whole-of-government approach is required to address the social determinants of health that negatively impact Travellers. Trusted relationships, cultural sensitivity and well-resourced services are essential to improving cancer prevention and early detection.”

Mary Brigid Collins, Coordinator of the Primary Health Care Programme at Pavee Point, stressed the need for sustained investment:
“Racism, discrimination, poor living conditions and a lack of culturally appropriate services are costing Traveller lives unnecessarily. Traveller Primary Health Care Projects are vital, but they need greater investment and strong partnership from mainstream services to drive real change.”

Next Steps

The report’s findings will help shape future cancer prevention strategies, with stakeholders urging that the upcoming National Cancer Strategy embed Traveller-inclusive design and implementation. Strengthening the Traveller Health Care Worker programme and tackling systemic discrimination are highlighted as essential steps toward improving health outcomes.

Read more about this research and the team behind it here.