Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cancer Research.

Ivor Callely

Question:

138 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the top three most common causes of cancer deaths; the pilot projects, if any, carried out on screening; if these pilot projects have proved that screening is beneficial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23014/99]

Statistics from the national cancer registry board indicate that the three most common causes of cancer death in 1996 were cancers of the lung, bowel and breast. The details are as follows:

Cancer Type

Deaths

% of all deaths

Lung Cancer

1,464

19.7%

Bowel Cancers

896

12.0%

Breast Cancer

641

8.6%

In relation to breast cancer, the international evidence is that screening women aged over 50 years is effective when organised in a population-based quality-assured programme. The first phase of a national breast screening programme in Ireland is at a very advanced stage and screening is to commence shortly.
In the case of bowel cancers, there is varying international evidence regarding the efficacy of screening. The National Cancer Forum, which advises me on issues relating to cancer services, is currently considering the most appropriate approach to evaluating the appropriateness of a number of screening programmes for cancers, such as colo-rectal cancer and prostate cancer. At present, there is no clear evidence of an effective screening programme for lung cancer.
The first phase of a programme for the introduction of a national screening programme for cervical cancer is in preparation in the Mid Western Health Board and screening is expected to commence early next year.
Top
Share