Bernard Allen
Question:278 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to introduce a national prostate screening programme; and the reason this programme has been delayed. [11367/01]
Written Answers - Cancer Screening Programme.
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 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, has established a working group on cancer screening which will examine the issues and ensure that all relevant research is taken into account in arriving at a conclusion on the introduction of new screening programmes and techniques.