Clare has the fifth-lowest breast cancer survival rate nationwide.
New data released by the Department of Health reveals the percentage of patients who survive the illness in Clare is below the national average, with only four counties having lower outcomes.
The information has come to light following a parliamentary question submitted by Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín.
Addressing Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Deputy Tóibín has asked for the “five-year survival rate for breast cancer in each county in the State,” as well as a breakdown of survival rates across various social classes and incomes.
The data, which comes from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, shows that the five-year survival rate nationwide is 87.3% but it also exposes a disparity in outcomes between counties and regions.
While the rate is 94% in Cavan, 92.6% in Kildare and 92.1% in Longford, it’s just 84.9% in Clare, 83.2% in Tipperary South, 82.9% in Monaghan, 82.7% in Kerry, and 80.3% in Limerick.
Kilmurry McMahon nurse and Aontú representative, June Dillon says the findings prove Clare’s services need greater investment.
Figures published by the Central Statistics Office in June 2024 showed the Ennistymon local electoral area had the highest rate of neoplasm-related deaths in the country in 2021.
The latest report produced by the body in December stated that neoplasms, which are abnormal masses of tissue that can be cancerous, remain the leading cause of death in Clare.
Tulla oncology nurse Anne Murphy believes there’s a connection between lower outcomes in parts of Clare and deficits in resources here.
You can listen to the full interview here:
