19/06/2009

Rapid Access Clinic To Allow Earlier Diagnosis Of Prostate Problems

Galway is to host an innovative Rapid Access Clinic to ensure early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The service, that is being piloted at St James' Hospital in Dublin and University Hospital in Galway, will be available nationally at all designated cancer clinics within 12 months, according to the National Cancer Control Programme.

At the moment, patients are transferred to urology clinics in over 20 hospitals all over the country, causing delays in receiving diagnosis.

The Rapid Access Clinic will permit results to be made available within two weeks of referral. It will also provide immediate access to specialist cancer care.

Over the following months, the National Cancer Control Programme plans to set up the service in each of the eight national centres of excellence in Ireland.

Currently, 2,500 men in Ireland suffer prostate cancer. More than 500 die each year from the disease. The west of Ireland has the highest death rates.

(AC/BMcC)

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