Cancer patients in Cork and Kerry undergoing specialised radiotherapy for left breast cancer will no longer have to travel for treatment to protect their hearts.
Up to now, patients had to travel to Waterford or Dublin for Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Radiotherapy (DIBH).
But, following the acquisition by Cork University Hospital of an active breathing control device, this will no longer be necessary.
Used in DIBH radiotherapy, it protects patients' hearts while undergoing treatment for left breast cancer.
The device, which cost €100,000 euro, was donated to Cork University Hospital's radiology department by Aid Cancer Treatment, a local charity.
Speaking at today's launch, Radiation Oncologist Dr Carol McGibney said that, because of its location, the heart receives some of the radiation dose being delivered to the left breast.
Using this device for DIBH radiotherapy means patients' hearts will be protected while undergoing treatment for left breast cancer.
Dr Gibney said it also means patients will be able to have all of their treatments in their local hospital among people they know.
