Vol. 488 No. 2
68 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he proposes to take to target illnesses that are particular to women and particular to men; the way in which he proposes to proceed to improve early diagnosis and treatment in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5831/98]
The two principal causes of premature illness and death in Ireland were identified in the national health strategy, Shaping a Healthier Future, as cancer and cardio-vascular disease. While these conditions can affect men an women differently, my Department's approach to highlighting the importance of disease prevention through lifestyle change and early diagnosis and treatment has tended in general not to differentiate on the basis of gender.
The plan for women's health, however, recognised that the incidence of breast and cervical cancer could be reduced with the introduction of screening programmes which target women in certain categories. A breast screening programme is in preparation and it is proposed that screening shall begin in September of this year. The Mid-Western Health Board is the pilot region for the national cervical screening programme and work to develop this initiative is currently in progress. I will be keeping both of these programmes under review. The National Cancer Strategy, published in November 1996, is aimed at reducing premature mortality among both males and females by 15 per cent in the ten year period, 1994-2004.
My Department's proposals for a national strategy for cardiovascular health which was announced recently, are aimed at addressing the wider issues surrounding disease prevention and treatment. The key objective is to reduce the unacceptable toll of mortality and morbidity associated with the disease and to provide a prompt, comprehensive and high quality service for public patients.
