MANY WOMEN who are diagnosed with breast cancer find the process of obtaining a medical card very difficult, according to a new study.
The research, carried out by Athlone Institute of Technology for the Irish Cancer Society, discovered that many of the women interviewed found the bureaucracy around getting a medical card, on top of their treatment, too much and just gave up.
Researcher Dr Noreen Cushen said it also seemed to be “hit and miss” whether the women qualified for medical cards, even though they were out of work as a result of their diagnosis.
The research findings, published at the launch of 2009’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month yesterday, also indicated many women were unaware of the risk factors associated with breast cancer, and very few of them regularly checked their breasts. In addition, even when some women discovered a lump or change in their breast, they delayed seeking medical help.
While 58 per cent of the women in the study went immediately to see a healthcare professional, 16 per cent waited for one-two weeks, 6 per cent waited a month, 4 per cent for two months, 4 per cent for three months, 6 per cent waited for 6 months, 2 per cent for 6-12 months and 4 per cent for 12-18 months. But the most common reason cited by participants for not going to their GP sooner was that they did not think the breast change they found was serious. The Irish Cancer Society says it is important that women understand that all new breast changes should be investigated.
Some women said they were not worried by the lump or breast change they found because of a perception that one had to be over 50 years of age to develop breast cancer or have a family history of the disease.
Dr Cushen said while the risk of breast cancer increased with age, women had to be aware it could affect all ages. She also stressed the stage of diagnosis was a crucial factor in the chances of survival from the disease.
The study also found that once participants were examined by a GP, referral times to see breast care consultants varied. Over half were seen immediately, but a small number waited up to six months.
Dr Cushen said the study was carried out on patients who were diagnosed between 2003 and 2009, and those diagnosed later had a much better experience of the services. The qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 52 breast cancer survivors attending four hospitals, one in each province.
About 2,500 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year, the vast bulk of them in women but a small number of cases are diagnosed in men.