Thousands protest lack of cancer treatment facilities

THOUSANDS of people took to the streets in Waterford City on Saturday demanding the Government build a radiotherapy unit in the south east.

Dr Jerry Cowley of the Cancer Care Alliance said around 20,000 gathered to protest at the fact patients must travel to Dublin to receive some specialised treatment.

“This is about lives. People were turning out for their families. There are people there who had cancer. It is a powerful statement of the people of the south east,” the Independent TD said.

Currently patients have to travel to the cancer units in hospitals in Dublin, Galway or Cork to receive radiotherapy treatment.

A recent Government report on the development of radiation oncology services recommended centralised services in main regions.

“God help Fianna Fáil. There is a major backlash occurring against the Government. People here are for the long haul and accept no less than equality. People’s lives matter way too much,” Mr Cowley said.

The Cancer Care Alliance is made up of cancer groups, patients, medical and nursing organisations and local activists calling on the Government to expand their radiotherapy services and improve oncology treatment. It is estimated around 21,000 will develop cancer this year and 7,800 could die from the disease.

Statistics point to one in three people developing cancer at some stage in their lives. Mr Cowley said it would cost less to open additional radiotherapy services in Waterford, Letterkenny and Limerick, than it does to make patients travel long distances for treatment. “It is creating a layer of cancer care apartheid,” he said of the centralised services.

Meanwhile, in Clonmel, up to 6,000 took part in a march demanding government funding for a new wing at South Tipperary General Hospital. The wing was completed 15 months ago but three theatres, the new A&E unit and the day ward are still not open because of what the protesters say is inadequate funding.