Testicular cancer - Rapid access clinic needed

A recent scientific report published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science noted that there was a “remarkable geographical variation” in a nationwide study of the incidences of testicular cancer between 1994 and 2007.

Consultant urologist Dr Paul Sweeney noted that the study found the rate of testicular cancer in Co Cork was 27% higher than in any other county. There were a total of 251 cases in Co Cork, amounting to an average of 18 per year, but there was no definitive reason to explain the high incidences of the disease.

One possible suggestion was the impact of organic industrial pollutants, which were previously linked with the development of testicular cancer. Those have been identified with large industries located only in Cork.

Dr Sweeney was at pains to stress that this was just speculation. While there are questions about the actual causes, the number of cases certainly justifies plans for the development of a new rapid access clinic for testicular cancer, along with a new CT scanning and diagnostic centre.