Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 7

Written Answers. - Cancer Statistics.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

108 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the degree to which information is now available to him regarding the incidence of cancer; if it has been possible to identify a prevalence in particular regions or in association with lifestyles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The Annual Reports on Vital Statistics published by the Central Statistics Office include information on deaths from cancer broken down by age and sex: information is also included on death rates from cancer in each county and county borough.

Information relating to the incidence and prevalence of cancer is now being collected by the recently established National Cancer Registry Board. Prior to the establishment of this board in July 1991 the Southern Tumour Registry, a voluntary body, collected this information in relation to counties Cork and Kerry.

There is some evidence to suggest that cancer mortality is higher in urban than in rural areas. Lifestyles — particularly smoking and diet — are important factors in cancer causation and the provision of information on the risks to health of smoking and also on the importance of a balanced diet is given priority by my Department's health promotion unit.