Mary White (Fianna Fail)

In my publication A New Approach to Ageing and Ageism I highlight that the greatest achievement of the 20th century was the increase in longevity. The contribution to that is a higher standard of living for everyone, the availability of drugs etc., an awareness of diseases and the need for people to mind their health. Today's edition of The Daily Telegraph reports on the result of a fascinating survey which highlighted that cancer survival rates are six times better than those of a generation ago. As this Seanad has one of the leading cancer consultants in the world in our presence it would be very interesting for him to bring us up to date on the area. For instance, a woman with breast cancer today can live ten years longer now. Those with colon cancer can live ten years longer and those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma can live ten years longer also but survival rates for those with lung, brain and pancreatic cancers can be weeks rather than years.

The Leader, Senator Cummins, has been most innovative to date and I suggest it would be unique to have one of our own Members make a professional presentation to the House on the advances in cancer treatment and where the money and research should be going in the future. It is a good idea. We are all aware that Senator Crown has saved the lives of many people suffering from cancer and it is my pleasure to make that suggestion to the Leader.