Oesophageal Cancer Fund

25/08/2026

One of the most common questions that we are asked is "What puts you at risk of developing Oesophageal Cancer?".
Know the symptoms.

While specific causes of Oesophageal Cancer can be difficult to pinpoint, and Oesophageal Cancer can affect any adult at any life-stage, the following have been identified as key risks, conditions, behaviours and lifestyles that may increase your risk of developing this disease:
- Persistent Acid Reflux
- Age
- Gender
- Diet & Nutrition
- Smoking
- Alcohol Consumption
- Obesity

You can learn more about these risk factors on our website: https://ocf.ie/about-oesophageal-cancer/

19/08/2026

💙 Over 500 people in Ireland are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer every year.
Early detection saves lives — yet too many people don’t recognise the warning signs.
If you experience persistent swallowing difficulties, heartburn, or unexplained weight loss, don’t ignore them — talk to your GP.

At Oesophageal Cancer Fund we’re here to support patients, survivors, and families living with and beyond oesophageal Cancer every step of the way. Visit www.ocf.ie for more info on the work we do and how you can support.
Let’s keep raising awareness, together. 💙

12/08/2026

Go to new heights and help Oesophageal Cancer Fund save lives at the OCF Thomond Park Abseil Challenge on Friday, October 9th, 2026. Sign up today - https://www.idonate.ie/event/ocfabseil-thomondparkchallenge2026

This October, we’re asking you to take a brave step in the fight against oesophageal cancer by abseiling from the roof of the iconic Thomond ParkOfficial Stadium in Limerick — home of Munster Rugby and one of Ireland’s most legendary sporting venues. Renowned for its incredible atmosphere and rich sporting history, Thomond Park has a capacity of over 25,000 and is recognised internationally as a world-class stadium.

By taking part, you will help OCF raise vital funds for awareness, patient support, early detection, and life-saving cancer research. Every participant helps bring hope to families facing one of Ireland’s most aggressive cancers.

🍭 Challenge yourself / your team
🍭 Support a vital cause
🍭 Help raise awareness
🍭 Help save lives

Gather your friends, family, teammates, or work colleagues and join us for an unforgettable experience that will truly make a difference.
Together, we can fight oesophageal cancer — one brave step at a time

***This abseil will coincide with our Limerick Patient Wellbeing gathering, so you'll get to meet some of the people you are supporting and we will have some of our research rock stars there abseiling too 💜

Munster Rugby Supporters Club

11/08/2026

Do you know how to pronounce it?
👉 Oesophagus = ee-so-fuh--guhs
👉 Oesophageal = ee-so-fuh-jee-uhl

It might be tricky to say, but it’s so important to know. Raising awareness of Oesophageal Cancer starts with knowing the word. 💜
Visit www.ocf.ie to learn more about the work of Oesophageal Cancer Fund

11/08/2026

❤️ THREE MONTHS TO GO! ❤️

The countdown is on to the 15th edition of the Remembrance Run 5K, taking place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, November 8th, 2026.

Join us for another very special morning as we come together to walk, jog or run 5K in remembrance of family, friends and loved ones❤️

🏃 Walk, jog or run
📍 Phoenix Park, Dublin
📅 Sunday, November 8th

Registration is now open! 👇
https://eventmaster.ie/event/b2xRf9AHjr

04/08/2026

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the passing of Lucilla Hyland, who died from oesophageal cancer at just 41 years of age.
Lucilla's life was cut tragically short, but her legacy continues to inspire hope.

In her memory, a small group of friends founded the Oesophageal Cancer Fund, determined that other families would not have to face this disease alone.

Twenty-five years later, that vision has grown into a national charity supporting patients and their families, raising vital awareness, funding life-changing research, and campaigning for earlier diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.

Today, we remember Lucilla with gratitude, honour the determination of those who founded OCF in her name, and thank everyone who has supported our mission over the past 25 years.

Together, we continue the work that began with one family's determination to make a difference.
💙 Thank you, Lucilla. Your legacy lives on.

31/07/2026

You’re Just Too Good To Be True
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of Lucilla Hyland’s death, Claire O’Reilly, one of Lucilla’s friends who set up the Oesophageal Cancer Fund reflects on the friendship, grief and determination that built OCF and continues to support patients, families and hope.
Thanks to Charities Institute Ireland for sharing Claire's story.

https://charitiesinstitute.ie/news/good-news-corner/963/963-Youre-Just-Too-Good-To-Be-True

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of Lucilla Hyland’s death, Claire O’Reilly reflects on the friendship, grief and determination that built OCF and continues to support patients, families and hope.

29/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to OCF Patron Padraig Harrington on his appointment as Vice Captain for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup Europe!

A four-time Ryder Cup winner and one of Ireland's greatest golfing ambassadors, Pádraig brings a wealth of experience, passion and leadership to Luke Donald's backroom team.

Everyone at the Oesophageal Cancer Fund is incredibly proud to see our Patron take on this prestigious role and wishes Team Europe every success.

Congratulations, Pádraig! 💙💛⛳

28/07/2026