Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Cancer Incidence.

Bernard Allen

Question:

184 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on a recent National Cancer Registry of Ireland report which shows that the Republic of Ireland has the highest rate of oesophageal cancer among women in the European Union; and the steps he has taken to deal with the problem. [14137/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The National Cancer Registry is responsible for collating data on the incidence of and mortality from cancer in Ireland. As part of the NCI All-Ireland cancer initiative, support was given to the cancer registries in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to collate and publish All-Ireland cancer statistics. The first report relates to 1994-96. I co-launched this report together with Ms Bairbre de Brún, Minister for Health and Social Services, Northern Ireland, on 1 May.

In relation to oesophageal cancer, the report shows that Ireland has a higher than average EU rate for females. However, the report goes on to recommend that further investigation is needed into the possible factors accounting for disproportionately high rates of oesophageal cancer among women in some parts of Europe including Ireland.

The risk of oesophageal cancer is greatly increased by lifestyles such as tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In this context, it is vital that our focus is both on the prevention of cancer where possible, and an early and appropriate intervention for those who develop cancer. The health promotion unit of my Department supports an extensive range of initiatives, a number of which have an impact on the levels of knowledge and awareness of the risk factors associated with many cancers. These include national mass media campaigns on anti-smoking, alcohol awareness and healthy eating. The unit also provides funding to the Irish Cancer Society in support of cancer prevention initiatives including the yearly Europe Against Cancer campaign.

My Department is 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.

I am committed to providing the best, safest and most effective treatment for women and, in so doing, provide the best opportunity for long-term survival to those who are found to have cancer.