Write a commentThe Action Cancer big Bus had a busy day in Mayobridge at the weekend.
Twenty one women (between ages 40-49yrs & 70+) availed of the mammogram service. There was also a mix of men and women who undertook the 40 health checks.
Statistics released from data from the NI cancer registry indicated the BT34 postcode was the worst for all cancers 2001-2010, this included breast and prostrate cancer.
The visit follows the disclosure that less than a quarter of urgent breast cancer referrals in the Southern Health Trust last October were seen within 14 days. According to the recommended target, all urgent cases should be seen within two weeks.
Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick who welcomed the bus to the village stated that “The Southern Health Trust has been struggling to meet its Breast Cancer targets for 12 months. However the Trust has said they have a service improvement plan in place and expect by April to achieve the expected 14 day target. I await this plan falling into place. I have requested that the Action Cancer bus come back to our area again and have logged the request with Action Cancer. If however you are concerned or worried about your health please do make that call to your Doctor. Recent buses to Lislea and Crossmaglen were cancelled due to weather but these will be rescheduled very soon. The appointment number is 02890803344.”
Councillor Fitzpatrick continued “I previously attended the bus in Burren a number of years ago and found it gave me great peace of mind, although the 2 week wait for the "all clear" can be an anxious time. I’m delighted to have got the opportunity to attend the bus locally on Saturday.”
