Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cancer Incidence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

52 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the comparisons that have been made between this country and other European Union member states in regard to incidents of various forms of cancer; the number of cases per thousand of the population for the European Union in general; the number for Ireland; the way in which such figures compare with United States statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9970/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Comparisons between this country and other European countries are mainly based on the EUCAN database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the WHO. This gives estimates of cancer for all EU countries for 1995. Detailed analyses of these figures are given in annual reports of the National Cancer Registry.

I am sending the Deputy tables giving the total number of estimated cases for each EU country for 1995, the number of cases per 100,000 population, the number of cases per 100,000 population, adjusted for age, the rank of each EU country within the EU and the national rate as a percentage of the EU average.

The data show that cancer incidence in Ireland for the major cancers is 3% above the EU average, is highest in Europe for colorectal cancer, large bowel, 24% above average for breast cancer, 15% above average for prostate cancer and close to the average for lung cancer.

Cancer incidence for all sites other than breast cancer is higher in the US than in Ireland or Europe as a whole. Comparisons with US data are less reliable than with European figures because of the limited coverage of cancer registration in the US until recently.

This data show that in Ireland, cancer incidence and mortality rates for all cancers combined, are higher than comparable EU average figures. The reasons for this would include variations in health behaviours such as cigarette smoking, dietary factors, alcohol consumption, as well as genetic and racial factors. It is vital that our focus is both on the prevention of cancer where possible, and on early and appropriate intervention for those who develop cancer. My Department, through the implementation of the health promotion strategy, is attempting to reduce the impact of adverse health behaviours. My Department is also implementing the national cancer strategy and other strategies which have arisen from it such as the symptomatic breast disease services report which provides for high quality services through centres of excellence for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.