A Clare peron who’s survived multiple cancer diagnoses is hailing a new initiative that will see free bowel screening extended to those aged up to 70.
The condition will be highlighted extensively over the coming weeks amid the International Bowel Cancer Awarness month of April.
Mary Woods from Newmarket-On-Fergus had spent over 20 years volunteering for the Irish Cancer Society, but never imagined she would someday be on the receiving end of the disease.
In March 2020, this all changed when Mary was diagnosed with womb cancer, despite extensive treatment she routinely felt fatigued and lethargic – fast forward to June the following year and Mary was also diagnosed with Bowel cancer.
Following operations and chemotherapy thereafter, Mary’s cancer cells were cleared and she’s been cancer free ever since.
She credits her recovery to proactive and early intervention.
Figures show that 67 people in Clare will be diagnosed with Bowel Cancer annually , however the Irish Cancer Society has raised concerns over a low uptake in screening.
In a bid to combat this, the HSE has now extended the age limit for eligible free bowel screening test kits for those aged up to 70.
Speaking on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, Policy and Campaigns Manager at the Irish Cancer Society Emma Harte says its already proven to save lives.
You can listen to the full interview here:
