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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

350 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of prostate cancer in the Western Health Board area determined in the last five years; the policy proposals he has to deal with prostate cancer for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23247/00]

The information available from the National Cancer Registry in relation to the number of prostate cancer cases registered in the Western Health Board area is as follows: 1994 – 126; 1995 – 128; 1996 – 151; 1997 – 140.

My Department will continue to work with the National Cancer Forum and the regional directors of cancer services in identifying priorities for the further development of cancer services. It must be acknowledged that major progress has been made since the launch in 1997 of the action plan for the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. Since then, some £41 million of dedicated funding has been allocated to each health board for the development of these services. Among developments in the cancer services have been additional consultant appointments approved in the specialties of medical oncology, haematology, histopathology and palliative care. Phase one of BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, has commenced as has the cervical screening programme. In this context, 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 and I will be asking the forum to ensure that all relevant research is taken into account in arriving at a conclusion on the introduction of new screening programmes and techniques.

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