Cancer study - Survival ranking a disgrace

Survival rates among women suffering from cancer in Ireland are among the lowest in Europe, according to a new comprehensive study compiled by the National Cancer Institute of Milan.

Survival rates are based on the number of patients who are alive five years after diagnosis.

Researchers found that the survival rate for women in Ireland was the fifth worst in the league table of 22 countries.

A total of 51.9% of Irish women survived for five years after being diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2002. Only four areas fared worse: the North, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Scotland.

Ireland has actually improved in the area of breast cancer, one of the areas in which extra money has been invested.

The survival rate among Irish men was even lower at a mere 48.1%. But that actually ranked Ireland at the top of the lower half in 12th position.

Of course, these figures relate to the period before Mary Harney launched the national cancer strategy last year. Cancer services were revamped with much fanfare, but little has actually changed.

For instance, the minister promised to outlaw the use of sunbeds by people under 16 years of age. But this legislation has not yet even been introduced.

Our ranking is a disgrace.