Vol. 517 No. 4
131 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will carry out a study on the value of prostate screening; and the consideration, if any, given by him to the establishment of a pilot prostate screening programme. [9787/00]
225 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will carry out a study on the value of prostate screening; and the consideration, if any, given by him to the establishment of a pilot prostate screening programme. [10220/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 225 together.
It is vital that the techniques used in screening for cancer are proved to be medically effective and accurate before screening programmes, covering large segments of the population, are introduced. Reliable screening techniques for breast cancer and cervical cancer are now well established internationally.
I will keep the question of introducing screening programmes for other forms of cancer under review, having regard to the most up to date advice on the medical effectiveness of the available screening techniques. The National Cancer Forum, which advises me on all aspects of cancer services, will continue to have an important role in this regard.
