Michael Bell
Question:26 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of lung cancer deaths in each of the health board areas in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15323/97]
Written Answers. - Lung Cancer Deaths.
The following table sets out the number of deaths and age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 population by health board area for cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung for the period 1991 to 1995.
Cancer of the Trachea, Bronchus and Lung; Age-Standardised Mortality Rates per 100,000 Population by Health Board Area, 1991 to 1995*
|
Health Board Area |
Number |
Rate |
|
Eastern |
2,992 |
57.7 |
|
Midland |
462 |
44.3 |
|
Mid-Western |
621 |
40.1 |
|
North-Eastern |
619 |
43.2 |
|
North-Western |
447 |
37.1 |
|
South-Eastern |
833 |
44.2 |
|
Southern |
1,081 |
40.3 |
|
Western |
663 |
32.3 |
|
Total |
7,718 |
45.3 |
*Figures for 1993 to 1995 are provisional based on year of registration.
Source: Central Statistics Office.
The figures show the highest mortality rate occurring in the Eastern Health Board and the lowest rate in the Western Health Board. In general, cancer mortality rates in urbanised areas tend to be higher than elsewhere and this is reflected in the figure for the Eastern Health Board. The national cancer strategy notes these regional variations and indicates that further research will be necessary to determine the underlying cause. While lifestyle and environmental factors are likely to be implicated, part of the explanation may also be due to a tendency to record a patient's county of residence as Dublin, particularly when the patient has undergone long-term hospice care in the city.
My Department has been conscious for many years of the importance of identifying and addressing the causes of preventable deaths in Ireland. Cancer is one of the principal causes of premature mortality — defined as deaths among those aged under 65 — and it must be emphasised that smoking is the single most important preventable cause of cancer and of lung cancer in particular.
While Ireland is just above the EU average mortality for cancer of the bronchus, trachea and lung at all ages, it is well below the average for the 0 to 64 age group. It should also be noted that trends over the last 15 years show a narrowing of the gap between the Eastern Health Board and other areas largely due to a steady fall in the mortality rate from lung cancer in the east. This fall has been especially pronounced in the 0-64 age group.
Given the significant impact of cancer in Ireland, the national cancer strategy sets a target of reducing the death rate from cancer in the under 65 age group by 15 per cent between the years 1994 and 2004. The strategy includes such initiatives as reorganising cancer treatment services, developing medical oncology and specialist palliative care services and organising targeted national screening programmes to combat breast cancer and cervical cancer. These and many other developments under the national cancer strategy will be of benefit.
The Government is committed to implementing the health strategy Shaping a Healthier Future and the national cancer strategy to best effect in all parts of the country. It is expected that good progress will be made in reducing the rate of preventable mortality in the years to come.