A new global report shows that cancer survival rates in Ireland are among the lowest in Europe.

It shows that just 56 per cent of women in Ireland live beyond five years after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, compared to 73 per cent in Iceland.

Survival rates for Irish people with ovarian, breast and rectal cancer were also significantly lower than the European average.

However, according to the Sunday Business Post, figures from the National Cancer Registry show that Irish survival rates are on the rise.

Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in Ireland.

The study published in The Lancet medical journal is the most comprehensive international comparison to date.