A former Mayor of Derry who beat cancer has called for more to be done to help sufferers of the disease.
A motion put forward SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly calling for better cancer care services was passed unanimously at a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Cllr Reilly was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2008 and underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.
He completed his treatment in 2010 and was given the all-clear.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Reilly, the SDLP leader on the local authority, said that while the number of cancer cases is growing, it was good to see that cancer survival is improving.
“One-year net survival has reached 70% and five-year survival has reached 54%,” he said.
“Yet, however, these survival rates lag behind other European countries and vary significantly by cancer type.
“Over 80% of females diagnosed with breast cancer and males diagnosed with testicular cancer between 2005-2009 survived their disease for at least five years.
“In contrast, fewer than 6% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survived their disease for at least five years.”
Putting forward his motion, Cllr Reilly said he wanted the local council to back the call from cancer charities for the Northern Ireland Executive to develop a new comprehensive cancer strategy.
“People here have every right to expect that their loved ones facing a cancer diagnosis will have the best treatment available through their health service and I hope that the Health Minister responds positively to this push from those directly involved with dealing with cancer patients,” he said.
Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy proposed an amendment to Cllr Reilly’s motion, which was accepted by councillors present at the meeting.
Cllr Duffy said she welcomed the motion being put before the council.
“The cancer survival rates are improving but more needs to be done,” she said.
When put to a vote, Cllr Reilly’s motion was backed by all the councillors at the meeting.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.