Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 2

Written Answers - Cancer Incidence.

Seán Power

Question:

216 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is evidence to suggest that the incidence of cancer in children is on the increase; if the treatment available means that more children survive and lead normal lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7505/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The national cancer registry was established in 1991 and began registering cancers nationwide in January 1994. Any report on incidence the registry can give is confined to the period of 1994 up to 2000, the year for which the most recent data is available. An examination of data for this time period would not support the view that there has been an increase in the incidence of cancer in children in Ireland. The national cancer registry has informed my Department that information on mortality is available since 1953. An examination of mortality data from 1953 to 2000 shows a clear decline in mortality during that time, which would also suggest that there has not been an underlying increase in childhood cancer. Significant developments and advances in the treatment of a number of significant childhood cancers have resulted in very significant improvements in survival for children with these cancers.

Since the implementation of the national cancer strategy commenced in 1997, there has been a cumulative additional investment of approximately €400 million in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. This includes the sum of €29 million which was provided this year to ensure that we continue to address increasing demands in cancer services in such areas as oncology-haematology services, oncology drug treatments and symptomatic breast disease services. This funding also includes €0.75 million that was allocated to the ERHA this year for designated national centres for cancer services, including paediatric oncology services.

In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy identified the need for the preparation of a new national cancer strategy. The national cancer strategy 2003 is being developed by the national cancer forum in conjunction with my Department. This strategy will build on the progress that has been made during the implementation of the first national cancer strategy and set out the key investment areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations in relation to the organisation and structure of cancer services nationally.