Cancer services in Cork for women

Early detection of cancer in women is key to improving survival rates

As local and national media recently reported that Ireland trails other wealthy countries in survival rates for complex cancers, we want to raise awareness of local cancer services in Cork for women. With 5 year survival rates from ovarian cancer at just 36% nationally, Ireland ranks last compared with other wealthy states in a large-scale global study.

A new worldwide study by the respected medical journal the Lancet reveals that survival rates in Ireland for many hard-to-treat cancers lag behind other developed nations, despite big improvements in the last 20 years.

Ireland fares better than the UK for 6 of 7 complex cancers researched. However, there is a significant difference in survival rates in our country, compared with top performers such as Australia and Canada.

The stage of cancer at detection is one of the most important factors that influences survival rates, healthcare experts widely agree.

Every year there are a range of initiatives to encourage people to have regular health checks, in Cork and nationally. Important awareness initiatives for cancers affecting women include:

Ovarian cancer awareness in March
World ovarian cancer day on May 8th
Cervical cancer awareness in January
Breast Cancer Ireland events throughout the year
Breast cancer awareness month in October

Cancer screening services in Cork

Regular screening tests are vital to identify any health issues early. Early detection has a big impact on long term survival rates. With early diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, many health issues are treated more easily and with much higher success rates. In this article, we highlight some of the important health screening services available to us here in Cork.

Ovarian cancer services

Ovarian cancer affects over 300 women across the country each year. However, studies have shown that there is a widespread lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. As early symptoms can be mild or mistaken for other ailments, ovarian cancer diagnosis tends to be in the latter stages of the disease. Late stage diagnosis is known to be one of the key factors that is driving low 5 year survival rates.

In Cork, we have access to a number of ovarian cancer support groups and information sites are available online. Important local ovarian cancer services are listed below for further information and support.

Do you need healthcare support in Cork? Contact us here at Irwin’s pharmacy for Cork healthcare advice. Alternatively, our friendly pharmacists are available to help at our Shandon St pharmacy, Togher pharmacy or Mayfield pharmacy stores.

Breast cancer screening

Studies such as cancer stats by Irish Cancer Society show that breast cancer is the 3rd most common form of cancer in Ireland across both sexes. In women, breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer, behind skin cancer which is most common overall.

BreastCheck provides free mammograms to eligible women around the country, and at various locations here in Cork. The service provides a free breast check every two years. To find your nearest location visit BreastCheck screening in Cork.

Cervical cancer tests

Most cervical cancers are caused by the HPV virus, which is passed during sex. The virus is very common. Organisations such as the Irish Cancer Society advise that most women will contract the HPV virus infection at some point in their life but the infection usually clears itself without causing any real harm.

Regular smear tests can detect warning signs early to decrease your risk from cervical cancer.

Cervical Check, the National Cervical Screening Programme, provides free cervical screening (smear tests) to women aged 25 to 60. There are over 180 Cork GP practices where you can get your free smear test. Visit this link to find your nearest GP in Cork for smear tests.

Contact your local Cork pharmacy team at Irwin’s

If you’re in Cork and you’re looking for health support or advice about cancer services, contact us or book a consultation. Alternatively, you can visit one of our Cork pharmacies today. Our friendly pharmacists are available to help you with healthcare support.

Other cancer services in Cork

There are a range of cancer screening services and support groups in our area, including:

Cancer services at Cork University Hospital
BowelScreen programme offers free bowel testing to men and women aged 60 to 69
Bon Secours Cork Cancer Centre
Cork Cancer Action Network (CCAN)
Cork Arc cancer support house
Glandore Centre at Cork University Hospital – new 40 million euro cancer treatment centre

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