Written Answers - Cancer Incidence.
Ivor Callely
Question:
87
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Health
if the increase of cancer and cancer-related illnesses is of concern to his Department; the comparative rate of cancer in Irealnd to our EU counterparts; the causes of the rate of cancer in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[12197/97]
Limerick East): There has been a general increase in death rates from cancer in Ireland over the past 25 years. After taking account of age factors, the death rate per 100,000 from cancer in Ireland has risen from 201.62 in 1970 to 221.71 in 1992, the latest year for which full data of this kind is available.
Ireland has a higher mortality rate from cancer than the average for EU countries. However, the rate of premature mortality, deaths among those aged under 65, from the disease has been falling towards the EU average in recent years.
The National Cancer Registry now collects data on the incidence, i.e., the number of new cases per year, of cancer in respect of 1994 onwards. The Registry's first report is expected to be published in the near future. However, incidence data for a single year should be interpreted with caution. A better indication of the incidence of cancer will be available when a number of years data becomes available.
The causes of cancer often involve a combination of factors including genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle behaviours. It is estimated that tobacco, alcohol and diet, the three major lifestyle risk factors, contribute to two-thirds of all cancers in Europe. Other factors such as exposure to cancer-causing substances, ultraviolet rays and radiation also carry a risk of cancer.
In November 1996 I launched the National Cancer Strategy. This strategy is aimed at reorganising cancer services to ensure that they meet the needs of patients in the best possible way. The strategy's main objectives are to take all measures possible to reduce the rates of illness and death from cancer, in line with the targets established in Shaping a Healthier Future, and to ensure that those who develop cancer receive the most effective care and treatment, and that their quality of life is enhanced to the greatest extent possible.
In addition to the National Cancer Strategy, I was pleased to be able to announce further progress in the plans for a targeted national programme of breast screening for women aged 50 to 64, and a national programme of cervical screening for women aged between 25 and 60 years.
I announced a major action plan to implement the proposals contained in the National Cancer Strategy in March 1997. An extra £6 million for the development of cancer services in 1997 was allocated, and details were given of how services will be improved in each health board area. The major elements of the Action Plan are:
plans costing an extra £6 million this year for the development of cancer services in each region. The plans include additional consultant appointments for treatment services, development of palliative care and funding for cancer research; a fundamental reorganisation of cancer treatment services including the appointment of regional directors in each health board area to co-ordinate services and develop a detailed cancer plan for their region; the appointment of a national cancer forum as promised in the National Cancer Strategy; the establishment of expert bodies to guide the implementation of national programmes of screening for breast and cervical cancer; and introduction of legislation to ensure that the breast and cervical screening programmes comply with data protection requirements. This important legislation was passed at the end of March 1997.
The table below gives details of comparative rates of mortality from cancer in Ireland to our EU counterparts for selected years from 1970 to 1992.
Cancer Mortality Rate per 100,000
|
Year
|
All ages Ireland
|
All ages EU average
|
Ireland under 65
|
EU average under 65
|
|
1970
|
201.62
|
196.48
|
99.53
|
92.40
|
|
1975
|
215.96
|
200.44
|
100.78
|
92.81
|
|
1980
|
210.04
|
200.45
|
97.00
|
92.04
|
|
1985
|
214.06
|
202.09
|
97.13
|
90.94
|
|
1990
|
216.65
|
200.18
|
90.20
|
88.22
|
|
1992
|
221.71
|
200.19
|
89.22
|
87.55
|
