More consultants needed

PROSTATE cancer sufferers in Clare only have access to one public consultant urologist in the region compared to patients in Galway, where five consultants are available, it emerged this week.

The official figure obtained by Deputy Joe Carey has prompted calls from the Irish Cancer Society and a Clare health campaigner for the appointment of extra consultant urologists as a matter of urgency. Similarly, in Cork, there are just 2.5 consultants to cover the whole of the south region.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Irish men after skin cancer and affects one in 12. Statistics from the National Cancer Registry reveal the number of prostate cancer sufferers in Clare increased from 62 in 2003 to a high of 74 in 2007, with figures showing a total of 62 cases in 2008.
Peadar McNamara, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago at the age of 60, said well-known consultant oncologist Professor John Crown stated 120 consultant urologists are needed across the country, including six for the Limerick area.
The former chairman of the Ennis Development Committee said insurance companies in the United States cover the cost of a PSA blood reading, which indicates whether prostate cancer is present. He noted this cover isn’t available in Ireland, which could make a huge difference.
The Irish Cancer Society has called for the implementation of a 2005 Comhairle na n-Ospidéal report on urology services recommending 18 new urology posts, giving a total of 45.
“It is vitally important that men are aware of their prostate glands and the society advocates that men over the age of 50 discuss the pros and cons of having a prostate assessment with their GP.
“It is important that men who present to their GPs with early warning signs of prostate cancer are referred as per the national guidelines to a consultant urologist to ensure that any potential cancer is caught at the earliest possible stage,” the society noted
The National Cancer Registry estimates there will be a 275% increase in the incidence of prostate cancer by 2020. Deputy Joe Carey said figures indicate that large areas of the country are currently only served by one consultant urologist. He proposed a prostate-screening programme to be rolled out nationally to identify some of the 2,700 Irish men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually. He added that staffing levels should be reviewed.
“Given we know prostate cancer will affect one in 12 men, increasing as they get older, the number of consultants would appear very low. While the HSE is currently in the process of developing prostate cancer clinics, it would appear that the required level of consultant posts have yet to be filled,” he said.