Ivor Callely
Question:58 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the increase, if any, in cancer-related illness in Ireland over the past ten years; the likely cause of any such increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12090/95]
Written Answers - Cancer Mortality Rates.
Limerick East): The age-standardised death rate from cancer has increased slightly from 253 per 100,000 population for the period 1978-82 to 273 per 100,000 for the period 1988-92.
The main types of cancer mortality recorded in 1992 were as follows: digestive organs, 32 per cent; lung, bronchus and trachea, 21 per cent; genito-urinary organs, 16 per cent; breast, 9 per cent.
This small increase in cancer mortality is associated with a variety of risk factors. Approximately one third of cancer deaths are caused by smoking and a similar proportion may be associated with diet.
Lung cancer is the most common form of specific cancer in Ireland. However, recent data suggests a slight decline in mortality. While a reduction in smoking prevalence among men is a major factor in this reduction, mortality is increasing among women due to cigarette smoking.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in this country and the risk of this cancer may be reduced by following a prudent diet.
Breast cancer mortality in women has risen slightly in recent years. This year I am making funding available to facilitate the phased expansion of a breast cancer screening programme to women aged 50-64 years. The expert committee on cervical screening services which was reconvened has reviewed all aspects of the cervical screening service. I propose to reorganise this service and in doing so to take into account the recommendations made by the expert group.
The medium-term target set in the health strategy is to reduce the death rate from cancer in the under-65 age group by 15 per cent in the next ten years.
When I became Minster for Health I set as a priority the development of services to combat cancer. The Department is now working on a comprehensive cancer strategy which is concentrating on four main areas: prevention, including screening, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. This strategy is due for completion later on in the year.