Women waiting six months for scan to diagnosis breast cancer, says senator
Women with suspected breast cancer are waiting up to six months for diagnosis scans in some cases, Senator Teresa Costello has warned.She called for action on “systemic failures” revealed in a report by the Irish Cancer Society which identified gaps in care around the country as some patients with breast, lung or prostate cancer face far longer waits than others depending on where they live.They found that tests at rapid access clinics that would have been performed on the first appointment date are increasingly spread over a longer period. Ms Costello was successfully treated for breast cancer over a decade ago aged just 36. However she said the stories she hears now are worrying. “I presented and I got a mammogram, a biopsy and an ultrasound that day, but fast forward to now and I’m speaking to girls who are waiting and waiting,” Ms Costello said.She added: “When they get to the clinic, they are being seen by a nurse and told ‘we’ll send you for a scan and get back to with an appointment’.
Some of the girls have been waiting six months for that appointment.
She pointed out early diagnosis is crucial in all cancers, especially for younger women not captured in the national screening programme. That starts at 50.“Now breast cancer in younger women is actually more aggressive, so I just don’t understand the delays,” she said. “I don’t know why these appointments can’t be scheduled together. I think it’s a systematic failure and I’ve raised this before.” Responding to the report by the Irish Cancer Society, the Labour Party called for urgent action from the Government.“The Irish Cancer Society has clearly outlined the causes of these delays: a shortage of cancer professionals, a lack of cover for staff on leave, and equipment that is years beyond its usable life,” health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock said.
“Incredibly, some public cancer centres like Galway, Waterford and Limerick don’t even have access to PET scanners.” The HSE pointed to improvements in care despite the obstacles, saying: “Today, over 220,000 people in Ireland are living with or after cancer, which is a 50% increase compared to a decade ago.” However they also said: “To sustain this progress, consistency and assurance around future funding would be helpful. This would enable forward planning, capacity-building and strategic implementation of the National Cancer Strategy.”
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