Women protest at Dáil for country-wide cancer care

The National Women's Council of Ireland will protest outside the Dail today in a mark of solidarity with women affected by the breast cancer scandal.

The National Women's Council of Ireland will protest outside the Dáil today in a mark of solidarity with women affected by the breast cancer scandal.

The group will also call for a full range of high quality and affordable health care in all areas of the country.

Joanna McMinn, NWCI director, said the crisis had deeply eroded confidence in cancer care.

"What woman could now have confidence in the cancer care system in this country?" she said.

"The NWCI is calling for services in cancer care that meet the highest standards, and in light of the recent misdiagnosis of so many women, cancer care services that we can trust."

An independent investigation into 166 cancer diagnoses in Cork University Hospital has found up to 15 cancers may have been missed.

Hundreds of women at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise were recalled for second checks with specialist consultants while a review is also under way of cancer care in University College Hospital Galway.

The NWCI said the protest was also to raise awareness about the lack of cancer care in the north-west.

"Women are discriminated against solely because of their geographical location," Ms McMinn said.

"It is wrong that a woman diagnosed with Breast or Cervical cancer from the North West of Ireland has to travel to either Galway or Dublin to avail of treatment at present. This issue must be addressed to bring an end to this inequality."