Ireland Introduces ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ for Cancer Survivors

July 9 2026 · Katie Cremin

Professor Mark Lawler, co-lead of the eHealth Hub and Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s University Belfast, has welcomed the enactment of Ireland’s Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which introduces the legal “Right to Be Forgotten” for cancer survivors.

The new legislation means that people who are five years post-successful cancer treatment can no longer be financially discriminated against by insurers because of a previous cancer diagnosis.

Professor Lawler has spent the last five years campaigning in Ireland and across Europe to support the introduction of these protections, working alongside the European Initiative to End Discrimination against Cancer Survivors, the Irish Cancer Society, and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Through presenting evidence to policymakers and legislators, he has been a leading voice in demonstrating the need for change.

Welcoming the legislation, Professor Lawler described it as “a significant win for cancer survivors in Ireland” and highlighted the importance of using high-quality evidence to drive meaningful policy change.

The legislation has been warmly welcomed by patient advocates and cancer charities across Ireland and Europe, who see it as a major step towards ending financial discrimination against cancer survivors and improving quality of life after treatment.

As one of the first European countries to immediately adopt a five-year eligibility period, Ireland is setting an important precedent in ensuring cancer survivors can move forward without facing unnecessary financial barriers linked to their medical history.