Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators O'Reilly and Garvey for bringing this excellent motion. I am very happy to speak on it. Some very good points have been set out. It is clear that prevention is better than cure. It is incredible to think that when somebody is faced with a life-and-death situation like cancer, the most upsetting thing is hair loss. This is because it is so visible and makes people feel very vulnerable and exposed. Many people try to hide their illness, particularly from their children. Things are in flux in the family and they like to protect their children from the graver aspects of their illness. Losing one's hair is a very visible sign that something is not right. If we can do something to prevent that we should explore all options. My colleague Teresa Costello is a Fianna Fáil councillor in South Dublin County Council and a breast cancer survivor and activist. She founded a support group called Breast Friends. The topic of cold cap therapy comes up regularly with the members of the group. They discuss how people have fared with it and its availability. None of us wants to see a postcode lottery in regard to the health service. On the surface this looks superficial, but it is not, because as Senator Garvey pointed out, if it leads to somebody having a positive attitude towards their treatment, prognosis and outcomes, that can only be a good thing and can only help with the medical aspect of it.

We all know that many people with cancer can also suffer from depression and PTSD and other very serious medical conditions. If we can do anything to lessen the impact on people who are already going through a horrendous time, we should explore all options. I look forward to listening to what the Minister has to say because he has been very proactive when it comes to various innovative treatments and making the lives of women in particular better. This, while it is applicable to everyone, has most impact on women who are going through chemotherapy. I look forward to the Minister responding positively to this excellent motion. I commend my colleagues on bringing it.