Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak in this timely debate which was most likely sparked by the situation in which Rosie in Kilkenny found herself. Many people dread hearing the word "cancer" and commonly refer to it as "the big C". It is associated with pain, suffering and much stress. If there is a suspicion at any time that somebody might be suffering from cancer, an early diagnosis should be facilitated. There is no reason people should not be sent for diagnosis as early as possible. The earlier one intervenes, the better the outcome. From a health perspective, it means better value for money. It is also good from the patient's perspective.

It is worth remembering that if we catch cancers in time, most of them can be successfully treated. It is important to remember that some types of cancer are preventable and people must take that on board. Skin cancer is quite common. We are well aware of the damage the depletion of the ozone layer can cause. There have been several warnings, yet some people persist in getting burned by the sun and do not worry about the consequences. It is possible they may develop skin cancer in later life.

Eating green vegetables and a good balanced diet also help to prevent cancer. We must accept some degree of personal responsibility for cancer. Cancers can be detected much earlier. There is the cervical screening programme, BreastCheck and a simple blood check which can indicate whether one has prostate cancer. People have a responsibility not to leave getting checked until they have symptoms. Even when some people have symptoms, they do not want to confront them. They hope they will go away and they do not want to receive a diagnosis. People have a responsibility to get an early diagnosis.

It is very hard to get older men, in particular, to go to the doctor for an annual checkup. However, when people reach certain milestones, there is an onus on them, particularly men who reach 50 years of age and women, to get regular checks.

Somebody mentioned the excellent treatment people receive in hospital. I regularly hear about the excellent care people who are terminally ill receive and the great praise they have for doctors and nurses. Most people with a terminal illness want to die at home, if at all possible. To some extent, we must re-examine the community supports available. For example, I came across a case recently where there was no hospice home care nurse available at weekends for a person who was very supportive of the services received in hospital. That is a major issue the HSE should take on board.

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