Galway Advertiser 2003/2003_05_08/GA_08052003_E1_008.pdf 

Extracted text

Breastcheck to be available in west within two years
BY MARY O'CONNOR
BREASTCHECK, T H E national breast cancer screening service - which is to expand into the west in July 2005 - got a major boost this week with the news that the Garway based National Breast Cancer Research Institute is to fund one of its two mobile screening units. chairperson of BreastCheck Screening will also be "The NBCRI was The 340,000 units - 40 said she was amazed at the established in 1990 to raise feet long articulated trailers carried out at a clinical generosity of the people in voluntary funds to create screening unit to be built at equipped with three phase the west. breast cancer awareness, UCHG. power, ISDN lines, water 'This donation is a good About 58,000 eligible provide the most effective supply and drainage - will women in the west will be treatments and also to example of how voluntary have mammography (breast supports invited for free screening conduct focused research efforts x-ray) machines on board. into the behaviour of the national/public services." every two years. Each unit will carry out an The national director of Speaking at a reception disease. Two years ago, it estimated 7,500 BreastCheck ,Tony O'Brien on Tuesday to mark the funded a MIBB machine for mammograms per year and UCHG. This was the latest said he was deeply grateful will identify up to 54 NBCRI's sponsorship of the technology in minimally to the NBCRI for its strong mobile screening unit at women with breast cancer. invasive surgical innovation support. He said the mobile Merlin Park Hospital, Anna They will provide free for the diagnosis and unit will form part of the screening to women aged 50 O'Coinne, the chairperson treatment of breast cancer expansion of his service into of the institute's fundraising to 64 years five days a week and was the first of its kind the west. c o m m i t t e e said she was in Galway, Sligo, in Ireland." "I would like to guarantee Roscommon, Donegal, delighted to make this Dr Sheelah Ryan, the the NBCRI that your crucial announcement for Mayo, Leitrim, Clare and CEO of the WHB and the donation of 340,000 will the region. Tipperary North Riding.

Anna O'Coinne, Chairperson of the NBCRI fundraising committee, Director of BreastCheck Tony O'Brien and CEO of the Western Health Board, Dr Sheelah Ryan at the presentation of a cheque for 340,000. be ring-fenced for the purchase of a mobile unit for breast cancer screening.The programme is currently performing to a very high standard in the east of the country and we are looking forward to delivering a similar level of service to all women aged 50-64 in the west of Ireland." In an interview with The Galway Advertiser, he said the expansion of the programme in this region (it has been available in the east and midlands since 2000) will cost about 6.5m in capital costs and 4.2m in annual revenue costs. He explained women aged 50 to 64 were being targeted because breast xrays are considered not to be an effective way of discovering breast cancer in young women. Some 80 per cent of breast cancers occur in those over 50 "Breast cancer is an issue for the under-50s. However, population based mammography is not an effective way of proving cancer in that age group due to the fact that they have active breast tissue." He said BreastCheck has access to records from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affaris, the VHI, BUPA, and GMS. It will go through these to get the names of women in the target age group. They will be invited to attend for screening and can decline, if they wish. The uptake rate for the service is the east is 75 per cent. He outlined that the mobile units will travel around the region. "We will choose a site, Castlebar, for example, equip the unit and put it there for three to four

NEW CRAFT FAYRE starting Saturday 1 0 t h May

Sunday Lunch at T h e Merrifflan Hotel Kinvara

Three Courses Original artwork & prints Gold & silver jewellery decorative ceramics Wooden art sculpture 091 6 222 Soft toys & gifts3 8Chinaman Handmade soaps and much much more... T a k e a w a y Open 10am to 5pm every Saturday The Success story of the decad
18.95 p e r p e r s o n 10 p e r child
A la carte menu also available Booking recommended

The Merriman Hotel M a i n Street, Kinvara

MHhinatown
Ph. 5 2 8 8 4 4

Oranmore

Ph 792211

months.Women who attend for screening can expect to spend upwards of 15 minutes at the unit. They will have a mammographic examination in a safe, confidential environment. Two x-ray views of each breast will be taken and before they leave, the films will be developed to make sure the images are clear." Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in middle-aged women, resulting in approximately 650 deaths each year. Some 85 Galway women are diagnosed with the disease annually. The condition affects one in 13 women. Early detection is the key to saving lives. Services like BreastCheck have significantly reduced deaths from the condition by up to 20 per cent in other countries.

Door 2 Door Leaflet Delivery Service
P r o m o t i n g y o u r business is o u r b u s i n e s s Contact Gerrv Dolan o n 091 530920

The most effective way of getting your message into the hands of everyone in Galway

33 years growing with Galw Galway Advertiser Leaflet Promo