Bernard Allen
Question:130 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a report on the incidence of cancer in the Cork area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/97]
Written Answers. - Cancer Incidence.
The report referred to by the Deputy comes from the National Cancer Registry Board which published its first set of national data earlier this year. The data relate to a single year, 1994, and must be treated with some caution until information for subsequent years becomes available. It is important to examine trends over time before reaching definitive conclusions regarding the incidence of cancer, particularly in relation to a specific area of the country.
The National Cancer Registry Board has indicated to me that the incidence of cancer in males, but not females, was slightly greater than would be expected statistically in Cork county for 1994. However, the difference was not very great and would not give cause for concern. The National Cancer Registry Board will review the situation with regard to Cork county when the 1995 data are available.