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07/07/2010
Cancer Patients 'Facing More Than Illness'
Worries over making ends-meet plague over one-third of Irish cancer patients even though they already have more than enough to be concerned about.
The Irish Cancer Society said almost half of patients have been asked to pay for consultant visits and trips to their GP, with average costs running to more than €700.
Mairead Lyons, Head of Services for the charity said the number of people seeking state benefits to meet the cost of care jumped by a fifth last year.
"The findings of the report show that families are struggling to meet basic needs. In the last 10 years the Society has seen a doubling in demand for financial assistance, paying out €3.5 million in grants in the last five years alone.
"The results of the report have shown an urgent need to review the supports and provisions available to cancer patients and families."
The Irish Cancer Society said women, younger patients, people who had been working and those with children were hit hardest by the medical bills.
Among women with breast cancer, 40% incurred costs for wigs or hairpieces, spending on average 400 euro, it said.
The survey revealed 45% of cancer patients paid fees for a consultation with a hospital clinician and 36% paid to see a GP.
It found consultant fees were on average €465 and €250 for GPs. Other figures showed 29% of patients paid on average €300 for prescription medicine and 39% paid an average €100 for over-the-counter drugs.
Eight out of 10 cancer patients also had transport bills for hospital appointments - on average €360 for travel and €75 for parking. It also found of those who took time off after being diagnosed, half received some sick pay - 63% of those working for an employer and 5% of the self-employed.
(BMcC/GK)
The Irish Cancer Society said almost half of patients have been asked to pay for consultant visits and trips to their GP, with average costs running to more than €700.
Mairead Lyons, Head of Services for the charity said the number of people seeking state benefits to meet the cost of care jumped by a fifth last year.
"The findings of the report show that families are struggling to meet basic needs. In the last 10 years the Society has seen a doubling in demand for financial assistance, paying out €3.5 million in grants in the last five years alone.
"The results of the report have shown an urgent need to review the supports and provisions available to cancer patients and families."
The Irish Cancer Society said women, younger patients, people who had been working and those with children were hit hardest by the medical bills.
Among women with breast cancer, 40% incurred costs for wigs or hairpieces, spending on average 400 euro, it said.
The survey revealed 45% of cancer patients paid fees for a consultation with a hospital clinician and 36% paid to see a GP.
It found consultant fees were on average €465 and €250 for GPs. Other figures showed 29% of patients paid on average €300 for prescription medicine and 39% paid an average €100 for over-the-counter drugs.
Eight out of 10 cancer patients also had transport bills for hospital appointments - on average €360 for travel and €75 for parking. It also found of those who took time off after being diagnosed, half received some sick pay - 63% of those working for an employer and 5% of the self-employed.
(BMcC/GK)
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Free cervical cancer checks in Ireland have helped diagnose over 100 women. More than 300,000 free cervical cancer checks were carried out in Ireland between September 2009 and August 2010. Out of these, 145 women were diagnosed with the disease.
01 September 2011
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The number of cancer cases in Ireland has increased by almost 50% since the mid 90s. Despite this shocking jump in cases it has been stated that the survival rates are also improving. A survey carried out by the National Cancer Registry has revealed these new statistics.
10 January 2012
Charity Urges Women To Look After Their Lungs
The Irish Cancer Charity is calling on women to look after their lungs after research found lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer death. New cases of lung cancer in women in Ireland rose by 17.6% in 2010, and it has now overtaken breast cancer. Smoking is the main cause and the number of cases is believed to grow year on year.
Charity Urges Women To Look After Their Lungs
The Irish Cancer Charity is calling on women to look after their lungs after research found lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer death. New cases of lung cancer in women in Ireland rose by 17.6% in 2010, and it has now overtaken breast cancer. Smoking is the main cause and the number of cases is believed to grow year on year.
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