Comedian: Take lung cancer fears seriously

COMEDIAN Des Bishop urged anyone with cancer fears to seek an early diagnosis, as he helped launch this year’s lung cancer awareness campaign.

The Irish-American comedian, who moved here aged 14 from New York and later attended University College Cork, has used his latest show to touch on the cancer issue.

His father, former actor Mike Bishop, has lung cancer and the comedian’s latest show, My Father was Nearly James Bond, has been hailed as seeking to demystify the nature of the illness and its impact on family relationships.

In Dublin yesterday, Des Bishop said: “It was a huge shock when my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. What I would say to people, if you are in any way concerned, get checked out. Early detection is everything.”

Most recent figures show 1,784 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in 2009 in Ireland, with up to 12% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer surviving for five years or longer.

However, the disease still claimed the lives 1,819 people in Ireland last year.

Experts have appealed to anyone concerned about cancer to seek medical advice or contact the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.

The Irish Cancer Society said the publication of referral guidelines for GPs and the setting-up of rapid access clinics in the eight designated cancer centres means that patients are being diagnosed faster and start treatment sooner.

The National Cancer Control Programme aims that 95% of patients who attend the rapid access clinic will be offered an appointment within two weeks of referral.

Dr Ross Morgan of Beaumont Hospital said: “Awareness campaigns like the one the society is launching today are vital as they are the first step in the chain. If people know the signs to look out for, they are more likely to go see their GP and get referred to a specialist.”

lNational Cancer Help- line on Freefone 1800 200 700.