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Our History
Cancer Care West was originally established as The Leukaemia Trust in 1993 to create a charitable base for the development of Haematology and Medical Oncology services in the West of Ireland.
In the years that followed, the charity raised funds to support Haematology and Medical Oncology services at Galway University Hospital through a programme of patient support and new therapy development, in addition to research and education in cancer and leukaemia care.
In the subsequent years, at a national level, the need to develop regional cancer centres was recognised. Through the lobbying of the Leukaemia Trust and the work of many people, Galway University Hospital has since become a designated supra regional cancer centre for the West of Ireland. It is in this context, and with our concerns that the title The Leukaemia Trust was too restrictive within the overall brief and interests of the charity, it was then registered in its operating name Cancer Care West in 2006.
In March 2007 Cancer Care West opened its residential facility, Inis Aoibhinn, at University Hospital Galway. This was followed in July 2009 with the opening of a dedicated Cancer Support Centre at Westside, Galway. Since then, Inis Aoibhinn and the Galway Cancer Support Centre have supported thousands of people affected by cancer and Cancer Care West continues to expand our range of support services with the establishment of our Psycho-Oncology service, Patient and Family Support Programme and Support Services for Children.
In 2017 we opened our Donegal Cancer Support Centre in Letterkenny, recognising the gap in support services in that region. In line with best practice and current recommendations regarding exercise and the management of cancer, we launched our dedicated rehabilitation gym in our Galway Cancer Support Centre in 2018. We continue to work towards meeting the needs of those impacted by cancer in line with best practice and evidence-based guidelines, to ensure that no one goes through cancer alone.

Our Timeline
1994
1994
Professor Ernest Egan founded the Leukemia Trust now called Cancer Care West
First professional fundraiser appointed.
2002
2002
University Hospital Galway designated supra regional cancer centre for West of Ireland
2005
2005
Opening of Radiotherapy department at University Hospital Galway
2006
2006
Building work at Inis Aoibhinn commences
2007
2007
Inis Aoibhinn opens and welcomes first 30 Residents and their families
2008
2008
Inis Aoibhinn extension
2009
2009
Galway Cancer Support Centre moves to dedicated building and is officially opened by President Mary McAleese
3 additional rooms added at Inis Aoibhinn
Initiated the development of a Psycho-oncology service at University Hospital Galway
2012
2012
Cancer Care West and Galway University donate €1m to National University of Ireland Galway to fund Hardiman Research Scholarships
2013
2013
Patient Assistance Programme established
Initiated the development of a Psycho-oncology service Galway Clinic
2015
2015
Introduction of Support Services for Children
2017
2017
Donegal Cancer Support Centre opened in Letterkenny
Psycho - Oncology service established at Letterkenny General Hospital
2018
2018
Launch of dedicated physical rehabilitation gym at Galway Cancer Support Centre
2019
2019
Launch of Mayo bus service
2020
2020
Establishment of the T4CC National Helpline for psychological distress during Covid-19
2022
2022
Became a full member of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres under the auspices of the National Cancer Control Programme
2024
2024
Establishment of dedicated support groups for cancer patients and their families