Radical reform needed for breast cancer treatment says Costello

Fianna Fáil Senator Teresa Costello has insisted that there needs to be a radical reform for young women who present with symptoms with breast cancer.

Costello, who is a cancer survivor, is an avid advocate for younger women who present with breast cancer symptoms and has demanded change to the treatment of young women.

“I have heard many devastating stories from young women who are presenting with symptoms of breast cancer and wait far too long for scans and treatment.

“In Ireland, every year there is 3700 breast cancer diagnosis. Twenty three percent of these are women that are aged 20 to 50 years old. Those diagnosed with cancer in this age group is on the increase, and we must seek change to deal with it,” she said.

Senator Costello shed light on her own struggles with the disease, saying she feels grateful, but will not stop working until young women get the care they deserve.

“I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer when I was 36 years old. Thankfully, I got diagnosed just in time so I could be treated. I was one of the lucky ones.

“We are encouraged to go to a GP if we develop signs of breast cancer, one girl who did everything advised around breast health, Ziva Cussen, presented with signs of breast cancer aged 21 and after several months of trying to get a scan, it was confirmed the cancer had spread to her bones,” she stated.

“Age should not be a factor when getting scans if you have symptoms of breast cancer.

“I will not stop advocating for young women until they no longer feel dismissed when they present with breast cancer symptoms.

Costello concluded by calling for a debate in the Seanad with the Minister for Health on the matter, one in which she will call for younger women to get the care they deserve if they present with symptoms and call for the extension of breast screening to 40.

“I have asked the Leader of the Seanad to invite the Minister for Health into the chamber to discuss this matter. It is one that is very personal for me, and for a lot of young women.

I will not stop advocating for better treatment and services for these young women, and this includes extending the screening age to 40. Together we can make positive radical reform, and it starts now,” she concluded.