The Irish Times – Thursday, January 13, 2011

LUNG CANCER patients can now expect to have an appointment two weeks after being referred by their GPs to one of the eight rapid response clinics, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

At the launch of its 2011 lung cancer awareness campaign, the society said the publication of referral guidelines for GPs and the setting up of rapid access clinics in the eight designated cancer centres means patients are being diagnosed faster and can therefore start treatment sooner.

As part of the HSE Service Plan 2011, the aim under the National Cancer Control Programme is that 95 per cent of all patients who attend the rapid access clinic will be offered an appointment within two weeks of referral.

“the key to improving survival for lung cancer patients is early detection. This begins with people being aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, going to see their GP if they are concerned and being referred on to a rapid access clinic for diagnosis and treatment,” Norma Cronin of the Irish Cancer Society said.

Four of the clinics will be situated in Dublin, at the Mater, Beaumont, St James’s and St Vincent’s University Hospital.

The other four will be located in Waterford, Galway, Limerick and Cork, with Letterkenny being designated a satellite clinic under the supervision of Galway.

The announcement was made yesterday in Dublin, where comedian Des Bishop launched the society’s lung cancer awareness campaign for 2011. Bishop has spoken openly about his father’s treatment for lung cancer in his most recent tour.

“it was a huge shock when my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. what I would say to people, if you are in anyway concerned, get checked out. Early detection is everything.”

Dr Ross Morgan, respiratory physician at Beaumont, said: “the late stage of presentation of lung cancer in the past meant treatment options were limited, but now there is a clear plan to ensure that people are fast-tracked through to early diagnosis and treatment.

“Awareness campaigns like the one the society is launching today are vital as they are the first step in the chain. If people know the signs to look out for they are more likely to go see their GP and get referred to a specialist,” he said.