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17/06/2008
Skin Cancer Worries For Men
While cases of melanoma skin cancer have more than doubled in Northern Ireland over the last two decades - with a steady increase in the number of men with skin cancer - there has been a significant improvement in the time it takes to begin treatment.
Also, while the figures from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry show that far more men are now getting skin cancer than before, the number of cases involving women appears to have peaked.
The news comes just weeks after the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey welcomed a significant improvement in access to key cancer services.
Speaking during a visit to the Cancer Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, the Minister thanked staff across the Health and Social Care Service for the huge efforts that have been made to improve cancer services for patients across Northern Ireland.
He said: "I am pleased that such excellent progress is being made to benefit people at a very worrying time in their lives. On the basis of provisional monitoring information, I am pleased to announce that the challenging targets set last year to reduce waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment have been achieved.
"As a result, in March 2008, 98% of patients diagnosed with cancer began treatment within a maximum of 31 days of the date of their diagnosis.
"In addition, over 80% of patients with suspected cancer who were referred urgently by a GP and subsequently diagnosed with cancer began their first definitive treatment within a maximum of 62 days - exceeding the target of 75%.
"Furthermore, anyone requiring an urgent examination for suspected breast cancer is being seen at a specialist breast clinic within 14 days of referral," he said.
The Minister also said he had set a new target to ensure further improvement. By March 2009, 95% of patients referred with a suspected cancer and subsequently diagnosed with cancer should commence treatment within 62 days.
See: www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-dhssps/news-dhssps-100608-health-minister-welcomes.htm
(BMcC)
Also, while the figures from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry show that far more men are now getting skin cancer than before, the number of cases involving women appears to have peaked.
The news comes just weeks after the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey welcomed a significant improvement in access to key cancer services.
Speaking during a visit to the Cancer Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, the Minister thanked staff across the Health and Social Care Service for the huge efforts that have been made to improve cancer services for patients across Northern Ireland.
He said: "I am pleased that such excellent progress is being made to benefit people at a very worrying time in their lives. On the basis of provisional monitoring information, I am pleased to announce that the challenging targets set last year to reduce waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment have been achieved.
"As a result, in March 2008, 98% of patients diagnosed with cancer began treatment within a maximum of 31 days of the date of their diagnosis.
"In addition, over 80% of patients with suspected cancer who were referred urgently by a GP and subsequently diagnosed with cancer began their first definitive treatment within a maximum of 62 days - exceeding the target of 75%.
"Furthermore, anyone requiring an urgent examination for suspected breast cancer is being seen at a specialist breast clinic within 14 days of referral," he said.
The Minister also said he had set a new target to ensure further improvement. By March 2009, 95% of patients referred with a suspected cancer and subsequently diagnosed with cancer should commence treatment within 62 days.
See: www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-dhssps/news-dhssps-100608-health-minister-welcomes.htm
(BMcC)
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Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
