Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

Before the month is out, I want to acknowledge and thank everybody who has been involved with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute in funding raising for breast cancer research in the month of October. Many of us have supported their efforts right around the country. It is incredibly important work that they do. Cancer research is incredibly important. It supports greater survivability, early detection, greater research, reduction in the side effects of the treatments and overall contributes to better health outcomes. I encourage everybody to continue to support them, not only in October but throughout the year, because breast cancer is still the most common cancer among women worldwide. One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Survival rates have increased because research has improved. Where research and effort are put into health outcomes, it yields results for women and their families. I commend everybody who is involved in that work, thank everybody who has supported their work and fundraising efforts and ask everybody to continue to do that after the month has elapsed.