30th April 2002

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Lack of Cancer Screening Services in Cork

Cork North Central candidate, Cllr Jonathan O Brien this morning called for an upgrading of Breast Cancer services in Cork.

Jonathan O Brien said:

``I welcome this mornings comments by Professor Nial O Higgins, an acknowledged expert on breast cancer. When Professor O Higgins brought out his report two years ago the government accepted the need to implement his recommendations quickly. 

Yet we have the situation in Cork where it can take up to a year and a half to get an appointment for breast screening. If a woman is referred by a GP with a suspected lump on her breast it can still take months to get an appointment. This is one of the issues I find is coming up at the door all the time.

Breast cancer is a major killer of Irish women. It is estimated that screening can save the lives of one fifth of the women who have contracted this condition. But speed is of the essence. Effective treatment for breast cancer depends on early detection. 

Funding as promised must be provided for this service in Cork. But also we need the political will to ensure that this service is provided quickly and efficiently.''

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