asked the Minister for Health the percentage rate of increase/decrease in the number of reported deaths from cancer in the functional area of the Eastern Health Board in the four years ending 31 December 1985 and the four years ending 31 December 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cancer Deaths.
56.
The most recent year for which annualised figures on cancer mortality are available is 1987. The numbers of deaths of persons resident in the Eastern Health Board area from cancer for each year from 1982 to 1987 inclusive are set out in the table below:
Deaths from Cancer to Persons Resident in the Eastern Health Board Area: 1982-1987
|
Year |
Number of Deaths |
|
1982 |
2,093 |
|
1983 |
2,061 |
|
1984 |
2,184 |
|
1985 |
2,149 |
|
1986* |
2,234 |
|
1987* |
2,224 |
* Data for 1986 and 1987 is provisional and based on year of registration.
Source: Reports on Vital Statistics, Central Statistics Office.
The figures show that, with some fluctuations, the numbers of deaths due to cancer to persons resident in the Eastern Health Board area have increased over the period 1982 to 1987. It should be noted that the figures given for 1986 and 1987 may change somewhat when the final totals based on year of occurrence become available.
The comments which I made in reply to a similar question from the Deputy on 9 February this year regarding national trends in cancer mortality apply equally in this case. The Eastern Health Board area reflects the national and international pattern of a gradual rise in deaths from cancer over several decades. There is, however, no evidence to indicate that this trend has been any more pronounced in the Eastern Health Board area than elsewhere in the country. In 1982, 33 per cent of all cancer deaths occurred to residents of the Eastern Health Board area; for 1987, the corresponding figure was 32 per cent.
The toll exacted by cancer on the community cannot be underestimated, and every effort must be made to elucidate its causes and to limit its effects. One of the best methods of realising these objectives is through the establishment of a National Cancer Registry. The expert committee set up to advise me on this issue will soon be submitting its report, and I would hope to have the Registry in operation before the end of this year.