This holiday season, support those affected by Oesophageal Cancer by joining OCF Christmas Jumper Day!
Whether you're a company, school, community group, or individual, we invite you to don your favorite festive sweater to raise awareness and funds.
Get Involved:
Pick Your Jumper, Wear It Proud, Spread the Word & Donate - OCF will support you all the way with branded merch and goodies.
Any day in December organize your OCF Xmas Jumper Fundraiser day - we will support your fundraiser with t-shirts , sponsor cards and anything else you may need. Get in the festive spirit, make a difference, and bring hope this December. Let's beat oesophageal cancer together!
Dedicate a light to someone special and let them know they are in your thoughts, or honour the memory of a loved one by lighting a bauble in their name. Your donation will help deliver OCF's patient support and research work.
Together, we make a real difference this Christmas by bringing the good fight to a bad cancer, with lots of sparkle.
Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones,
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF)
Date: Saturday 25th of January 2025
Registration: 10.00am onwards, with coffee / tea reception
Start/Finish: 10.30am – 1.30pm (including light lunch)
The aim is for people affected by Oesophageal Cancer to meet others who are in a similar situation and gain support from one another. As always, the agenda is patient centred and based on feedback to date from our community meetings, and we would love to hear more of your suggestions for future meetings.
A key objective for OCF is to support, influence and inform the development of impactful research that addresses the important clinical challenges that Oesophageal Cancer patients, their families and carers face on an ongoing basis. We do this through a collaborative model that is always patient centred, with the aim of finding new methods and treatments from prevention to early diagnosis, treatment and through survivorship. Therefore, we are already committed to a significant investment of money and resources into research of 30% of our operational budget while at the same time playing our part in the cancer care community in Ireland.
In 2023 OCF continued our investment in the Barrett’s Oesophagus Registry and Biobank which now totals over €2.3 million since 2009. This unique national resource over the years has now developed into a rich resource of information on over 9,000 Barrett’s Patients on the registry and the biobank of consented tissues and bloods for research. These are now playing a central role in different international collaborative studies by linking with the Northern Ireland Registry through the All-Ireland Cancer Network (AllCaN) which was launched in 2023. The biobank is also now linked to an important Pan European study ‘ENDEAVOR’ looking at better methods of detecting which Barrett’s patients are at greatest risk of disease progression. This was also the year when the Neo-Aegis Clinical Trial concluded, and we are very proud to share the results through this Annual Report and through our Patient Support Programme. We must also thank and remind
our families, our donors, our medical and research partners, our volunteers and the overall OCF community that none of this research would be possible without their ongoing support.
Our funding of the Neo-Aegis Clinical Trial concluded in 2022/3. This was a major, international randomised controlled trial developed by Irish Clinicians, and sponsored by Cancer Trials Ireland. The trial recruited 377 people with
Oesophageal Cancer, 34% of whom are based in Ireland with the remainder in France, Denmark and the UK. 362 patients were evaluable. The trial set out to establish the best available treatment for patients presenting with advanced but potentially curable Oesophageal Cancer, and compared chemotherapy alone combined with surgery, against a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy prior to surgery.
The trial showed no evidence that peri-operative chemotherapy is unacceptably inferior to multimodal therapy in the primary outcome of overall survival, and therefore strongly suggests non-inferiority which supports equipoise in clinical decision making in modern practice.
Neo AEGIS provides the largest comprehensive randomised dataset for patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction treated with perioperative chemotherapy (predominantly the modified MAGIC regimen), and CROSS trimodality therapy.
The impact of the Neo-Aegis trial is that it has cemented two ‘standard of care’ treatment options for Oesophageal Cancer as ‘equivalent’, thereby keeping treatment options open and viable for patients with Oesophageal Cancer depending on regional and national networks.
Importantly the outcomes have been excellent in both treatment arms, with a 3-year estimated survival probability of 57% and 55% respectively, and no major differences in operative and health-related quality of life outcomes. This result is particularly important bearing in mind the differing availability of treatment options in different regions nationally and internationally
At the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), we fill the gap in support, awareness, and research for Oesophageal Cancer a disease that impacts 500 families in Ireland each year. In fact, Ireland faces one of the highest rates of this cancer globally which is the sixth leading cause of cancer- related deaths. Therefore, the fight against Oesophageal Cancer is urgent and real. Early detection is our best weapon in increasing the 5-year survival rates of just 24% in the Republic of Ireland and 19% in Northern Ireland. Treatment typically involves radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgery to remove the oesophagus with implications for diet, sleep and exercise that last a lifetime.
At OCF, we are unwavering in our commitment to achieving our Vision and Mission to improve these survival odds through heightened awareness and early detection. However, it takes significant time and money and we operate in a tough fundraising climate, with no State funding (so far). It takes up to €500,000 annually to fuel our mission at OCF and we did it in 2023 thanks to the loyal support of our donors and supporters.
By Q4 2024, we will have secured 70% of what we need, leaving €150,000
to raise by Christmas. Our fundraising drive is non-stop, as we depend 100% on donations from the public. We are very proud to be Triple Locked by the Charities Institute of Ireland, demonstrating our commitment to good governance and financial transparency in all we do.
Patient Support (40%) – We are expanding our nationwide support to five regional meetings in 2024, up from two in 2023, with ten planned for 2025. Throughout 2023 and 2024, we provided a support line, peer-to-peer programme, online resources, podcasts, videos, all rooted in personal stories. In 2024/5 we aim to employ a part-time specialist nurse or dietitian to further enhance patient support.
Driving Awareness (30%) – Awareness is key to early detection. Our national campaigns, like Lollipop Day, were big drivers in 2023. And with Golf Legend Padraig Harrington as our Patron, we are reaching more people than ever, demonstrating that a Little Lolly goes a long way. We have big plans for Lollipop Day on February 28 and March 1, 2025
Funding Research (30%) – like the National Barrett’s Registry and Biobank, a crucial tool for early detection and monitoring of Barrett’s Oesophagus, a precursor to Oesophageal Cancer. In use by researchers on an All-Ireland basis.
Welcome to the Oesophageal Cancer & Barrett’s Oesophagus Podcast - the voice of hope, healing, and resilience in the journey against Oesophageal cancer.
This Podcast, from the Oesophageal Cancer Fund , is designed to help people and their families affected by Oesophageal Cancer & Barrett’s Oesophagus, to better understand what it is like to navigate the journey, from diagnosis and throughout their treatment and care. It also demonstrates the work of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund in terms of patient support, raising awareness of this cancer and funding vital research.
Each of these episodes, we will bring together patients, experts and advocates, to have straightforward evidence-based conversations giving hope and encouragement to those fighting this cancer.
Early diagnosis is key, and our aim is to highlight the importance of knowing the symptoms and early detection.
The Podcast is hosted by OCF board member Sean Broderick and on this, our first episode, our very special guest is Professor Jacintha O'Sullivan - a Professor in Translational Oncology, based at the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), Trinity College & St. James’s Hospital, Dublin.
Jacintha, who was recently appointed President of the Irish Association for Cancer Research, is the Director of the MSc in Translational Oncology, Education lead for the Trinity, St. James’s Cancer Institute and the Education and Outreach Coordinator in TTMI.
In this episode Professor O’Sullivan explains what oesophageal cancer is, the importance of knowing the symptoms and how early detection saves lives. Specifically Professor O’Sullivan uses this podcast to explain the condition known as Barrett’s Oesophagus which can be a key pre-indicator of potential oesophageal cancer and how the National Barrett’s Register and Biobank help ensure that patients identified as at risk undergo monitoring and surveillance.
The Barrett’s Register, established in 2010, links six hospitals across Ireland and currently tracks the progress of 9,000 at-risk patients. From the beginning, both the Barrett’s Register and Biobank have been funded by OCF through an investment of €2.3 million to date through its annual Lollipop Day fundraising.
Davie, Chris and Bobby (pictured) who raised €5,825 through their Run Galway Bay Fundraiser , October 2024.
Amazing men who dedicated their fundraiser to their family members who have gone through an oesophageal cancer journey.
HUGE thanks to the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF)
Pictured in our OCF Dublin HQ LtoR : Craig Bloome, Acting National Sales Manager, HSF Health Plan, Carmel Doyle, CEO, Oesophageal Cancer Fund and Paul Clare, MD of HSF Health Plan, representing the The Hospital Saturday Fund.
Paul & Craig presented Carmel with a €10,000 grant to help fund OCF’s Patient Support Programme, including forthcoming meetings in Cork (Silver Springs) on 28th September; in Dublin (Talbot Stillorgan) on 19th October and Galway (Maldron) 23rd November.
On the 15th of June 2024, The Lalor Family will be doing a skydive in aid of the Oesophageal cancer Fund (OCF). This charity is one that is close to our hearts as dad, Philip was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer 9 years ago. Thankfully with an early diagnosis dad had successful treatment and with regular routine check ups he has recovered from his cancer.
We will be forever grateful for Professor Reynolds and his team in St. James' Hospital, Dublin for everything they have done for dad. The Oesophageal cancer fund carries out an annual lollipop day across Ireland to raise awareness and funds for Oesophageal cancer research. Since dad's diagnosis my family and I have participated in this annual event.
'Cycle4Des' - a fundraiser involving family and friends of the late Des Lynch , Quin Co. Clare.
A dedicated local community who cycled 130km from Quin to Athenry and back again, last November 18th!
Have raised over €54,333 for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF).
In June 16th 2024 we will both be travelling to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest freestanding mountain, in aid of Oesophageal Cancer. This charity is one that is close to our hearts, as our dad, Conor O’ Duffy, passed away from Oesophageal cancer in 2004 when we were 7 and 4 years old.
Our decision to climb Kilimanjaro stemmed from our own dad’s journey to the summit in 2003, in aid of the National Children’s Hospital, Dublin, while he was simultaneously battling cancer. We will be Climbing on the year that marks his 20th anniversary.
Oesophageal cancer is cancer of the oesophagus also known as the gullet or food pipe.
Ireland has approximately 500 new cases of Oesophageal Cancer annually — one of the highest rates in Europe. More so than with many other cancers, the early signs of Oesophageal Cancer are easy to overlook. Many people could be tempted to dismiss what can seem to be digestive complaints,..
Early detection of Oesophageal Cancer is vital, and OCF works to promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer.
When abnormal (or bad) cells develop in the lining of the lower end of the oesophagus, it is not cancer, but a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s Oesophagus.
A small number of people (less than 1%) with Barrett’s Oesophagus may go on to develop cancer.
The main cause of Barrett’s Oesophagus is long-term persistent, severe or chronic acid reflux, which can inflame the oesophagus.
Any cancer diagnosis can be a worrying and daunting time for any patient and their loved ones. Your journey will be as individual as you are.
At such a sensitive time it can be hard to get your head around it all, so remember you’re fully supported by a team of medical professionals who will collaborate closely to help you on your journey inside the hospital walls, as well as a dedicated team of nurse specialists to enhance your post-surgery-recovery.
Each stage of this journey can bring its own challenges, it can be a lonely, stressful and isolating time. It’s important to think holistically, and to safeguard your nutritional, physical and psychological wellbeing as well as your overall outlook.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund’s fundraising efforts have supported a number of different research projects and programmes that are on the very cutting edge of research into Oesophageal Cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
If you would like to find out more information on the research we have funded and our current research commitments and plans this can be found in the Patient Support & Resources & Research Section of our website.
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus or Oesophageal cancer, you may want to find out more and access our Information and Resources.
Whatever stage you’re at, from diagnosis, starting treatment to post-surgery to longer-term recuperation and recovery strategies, the most important thing to know is you are not alone. Some of the information may be useful to you can find here.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund’s fundraising efforts have supported a number of different research projects and programmes that are on the very cutting edge of research into Oesophageal Cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
If you would like to find out more information on the research we have funded and our current research commitments and plans this can be found in the Patient Support & Resources & Research Section of our website.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund is the national charity for Oesophageal Cancer in Ireland. Bringing the good fight to a bad cancer. The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) was founded on a challenge from Lucilla Hyland, a young woman diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in 2001 who sadly lost her hard fought battle.
Lucilla envisioned that everyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer receives the earliest and best support and treatment possible. Lucilla wanted there to be better awareness of Oesophageal Cancer – the risks and symptoms – to deliver early diagnosis and successful treatments.
Lucilla Hyland laid down a challenge and we are unwavering in our determination to deliver, so that everyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer gets the earliest and best support and treatment possible. This is the Vision of The Oesophageal Cancer Fund. The Oesophageal Cancer Fund works in partnership with patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and other support and advocacy organisations this is our Mission.
There are a great number of ways that you can choose to get involved with The Oesophageal Cancer Fund; volunteering of your time and energy is a way to do this, it genuinely means so much to us. For example, volunteers are hands down the key reason Lollipop Day – our national fundraising days are consistently successful.
Your help is far-reaching. By choosing to volunteer your time, however possible for you, you’re joining us in our vision that everyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer gets the earliest and best support and treatment possible..
Though we have a very small core team, a lot of our work in the community is carried out by dedicated volunteers, our own team of true everyday heroes. If you have time and energy to give to this most worthy cause, consider volunteering — your involvement can be scaled up or down with your availability, and the specific role tailored to your own unique talents and areas of interest.
“I had been suffering from pain and discomfort in my chest when I heard OCF patron Pádraig Harrington on the radio talking about his father who had passed away from Oesophageal Cancer.
He mentioned his father’s symptoms and that he used to take medication for acid reflux. That really struck a chord with me. If I hadn’t heard Padraig that day, I might not have done anything for six months, or even a year.
I could have just put off the discomfort as indigestion. I was lucky that my Oesophageal Cancer was detected early.
