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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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All NI breast cancer patients needing an urgent consultation with a specialist were seen within two weeks of referral by their GP.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
