Breast cancer found every 5 hours

THERE is a new breast cancer diagnosis made every five hours in Ireland, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

Launching Breast Cancer Awareness Month, consultant medical oncologist Dr John Kennedy said provisional breast cancer statistics for 1999 show that 1,738 women were diagnosed with the disease, up from 1,687 cases in 1998.

He warned that delays in fully implementing the national breast screening programme is costing lives.

"Breast cancer is an increasingly common disease and it is unlikely that we are going to reduce the incidence of breast cancer any time soon. What we have to do is detect the disease early and treat it vigorously so as many patients as possible can be cured.

"Screening can detect cancer up to 18 months before it appears as a lump, so we cannot afford to delay the complete roll-out of this vital national screening programme. If we don't act now, we'll pay a lot more in the long run, both in human and in financial terms, due to the increased mortality which could have been avoided," Dr Kennedy said.

Thirteen specialist breast units were recommended in a report for the National Cancer Forum in 2000. Two years on, however, only three health board areas the Eastern Region Health Authority, the North Eastern Health Board and Midland Health Board have well-resourced screening programmes in place.

Research indicates that Irish women have a one in 13 chance of developing the disease during their lifetime, and studies show that our five year survival rate for breast cancer is more than 10% lower than that of the US.

Dr Kennedy said women who notice changes in their breasts should not ignore them and see their GPs.

Also, if they are invited to have a screening mammogram they should have it done.

"Women need to be aware that breast cancer is potentially dangerous but highly curable and they should seek attention early if they think they have a problem with their breasts. That's what Breast Cancer Awareness Month is all about."

Dr Kennedy said he sees women on a routine basis who had clearly been ignoring lumps in their breasts for a long time.

"The Irish have this ability to believe that if they ignore something it will go away," he said.

The consultant said women should be aware that a lot of excellent cancer treatments are now available far more than existed 10 or 15 years ago.

"Cure rates can be much higher. That is why we need to get our act together in terms of organisation and resources so people get the best possible treatment."

Abby Langtry, project leader of the Irish Cancer Society's Action Breast Cancer (ABC) said their helpline had received almost 3,000 calls since it was launched last year.

A breakdown of 1,000 calls received showed that 60% of callers had been diagnosed with breast cancer, while 19% were calling over concerns for a relative.

Throughout October pink ribbons, the international symbol for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will be on sale to help fund vital research. Action Breast Cancer's helpline is 1800 30 90 40 weekdays 9am to 5pm.