Seanad debates
Wednesday, 19 February 2003
Cancer Screening Programme: Motion.
I acknowledge the sincere commitment to try to expand the service. Let us acknowledge what has happened which represents a sea-change and a transformation in the quality of care for those with cancer. While we have a long way to go, we have achieved a significant amount. It is important to work collectively to get home the concept of combined modalities of care in centres of excellence. I accept Senator O'Meara's genuine concern about the issue of the mammography machine in Nenagh or Ennis but we have got to tell people that a comprehensive cancer programme is not light years away and is ahead of a mammography machine. Some still hold the view that if we have a mammography machine, we have a cancer service. We do not. Keeping in line with best international practice will give us the outcomes we desire and which we envy the capacity of countries such as the United States and others to achieve. This is emanating from people who have been abroad, worked in other centres and who have returned and want the best configuration of services, etc., for Ireland.
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