Earlier cancer screening services are needed according to one County Cavan Councillor. Cllr Aine Smith says cancer affects nearly all families in the country and cancer doesn't play by any rules and cancer doesn't have any rhyme nor reason when it comes to invading a person's body.
It is estimated that every sixth death in the world is due to cancer. Unfortunately, Cllr Smith knows 1st hand in relation to the devastating impact that cancer can have following the loss of her dad the late Cllr Sean Smith.
Cllr Smith wants Ireland to lower the screening age to 40 compared to 50, which it currently stands at. The Cavan councillor says that earlier screening would make detections earlier and save lives. "A very close friend of mine, Tara, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year," Cllr Smith told Northern Sound, "To be honest, we all got such a shock because she's only in her 30s. You really don't think you can get cancer at such a young age. When we talk about what she's went through and everything she can tell me off-hand of several young women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have been diagnosed with breast cancer yet, the thing that I would remark is is breast screening is not offered in Ireland until you're 50."
