A spokesperson for the society pointed out that research published in the British Medical Journal has found that every four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10%, adding: “So there is no question that these delays are causing avoidable deaths.” The messaging we receive about cancer treatment is often a curious mixture of hope and despair. Recovery rates for some cancers are high; this week’s report points out that almost all men diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer survive, for instance. But the underlying message of this report is a grim one, best explained by Michael McCarthy, a consultant in Galway and the president of the Irish Society of Medical Oncology. Dr McCarthy said: I see the human cost of the postcode lottery in Irish cancer care every day. “Once chemotherapy is prescribed, the national cancer strategy states that it should start within 15 working days. The reality in Galway is that patients are now typically waiting seven to eight weeks for their first session.” The postcode lottery has become almost background noise when it comes to healthcare in Ireland. For such a senior clinician to state the facts so baldly illustrates the level of that acceptance — rather than causing outrage or shock, it merely confirms the experience of most service users. A wider question also arises about the national cancer strategy. If it is a given that its proposals simply cannot be followed, as instanced by Dr McCarthy’s experience in Galway, is it fit for purpose? It is appalling that one’s home address should have such a clear influence on one’s chances of surviving serious illness — particularly when cancer throws a shadow over almost every family in this country. Roy Keane, the nation's favourite cranky uncle Large crowds of soccer fans were visible in Cork on Tuesday evening as they made their way from the city centre down the Centre Park Rd and Monahan Rd, the traditional access routes for Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Glasgow Celtic were in town to take on local side Cork City in the stadium, and the jerseys of both sides were much in evidence. They weren’t the only fans of the beautiful game who were wending their way through that part of Cork, however. Roy Keane was in conversation with Roddy Doyle as part of the Live At The Marquee series of events. It might seen an odd gig in comparison with some of the others on offer in the venue, such as guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa, but Keane’s events were a huge success. It has been an extraordinary transformation in the public perception of Keane. An ultra-competitive presence in his storied career with Manchester United, few would have envisaged the aggressive dynamo of those days transforming into the avuncular presence much-loved for his punditry and podcasting. However, Keane’s brand of dry humour and light crankiness has proven a huge hit, as evidenced by the rapturous reception he received in the Marquee. Granted, the Mayfield native was in his home place for those gigs, but his adoption as a sort of national uncle, whose dislikes and disappointments are seen as lovable foibles, is remarkable. Saipan seems a long time ago now.