Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan has called for the introduction of free mole mapping scans for PRSI payees every year in a bid to increase early detection of melanoma skin cancers.
The Cork TD said offering a yearly mole mapping scan for PRSI workers, similar to the Government’s free annual dental check-up and free eye test, could help save lives.
Mole mapping is a painless, non-invasive monitoring tool using whole body photograph to identify new moles and track changes in existing moles. It is used to detect melanoma skin cancer, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancers.
“The introduction of a national mole mapping screening service is a no-brainer,” Deputy O’Sullivan said.
“Ireland has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in Europe. We ranked 7th in 2023, well above the EU average. We need to become more aware of the dangers of the sun and we also need to use every tool available to us to improve the detection of cancers.
“That is why I’ve called on my party colleague Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, to introduce skin cancer screening in the form of mole mapping.
“Free mole mapping each year could lead to earlier diagnosis of melanomas. It could help save lives long term and also make people more cognisant of the need to wear sunscreen all year long – not just on the hottest days of the year.”
Deputy O’Sullivan added that successive national cancer strategies have shown the benefit of continued investment in national cancer services.
“Earlier diagnosis of cancers leads to better treatment and improved rates of survival, he said.
“Almost every family in the country has been affected by cancer. We need to do everything we can to increase detection rates and the addition of a mole mapping screening service to the national cancer strategy could be a simple and effective method of helping save more lives.”
ENDS