Screen call as cancer cases in South Tyrone rise

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, and Sinn Fein MLA Bronwyn McGahan has highlighted latest Department of Health figures which show a rise in the number of local diagnoses of the life-threatening disease to 43 over the past five years.

“It is important that we increase screening to include all types of cancers including cancers associated with woman such as ovarian and cervical”, said the South Tyrone and Fermanagh representative.

“I will be asking the Health Minister to increase the number of screening clinics for women in the South Tyrone area as early detection is crucial in increasing survival rates.

“I would urge everyone to have regular medical check ups so that any health issues can be identified and rectified at the earliest opportunity.”

Cancer of the ovary is not a common cancer but it does affect over 150 women each year.