Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cancer Incidence.

Enda Kenny

Question:

255 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the incidence, by health board, of bowel cancer in males for each year since 1990; the research conducted into the relationship between diet and the prevention of the ailment; the awareness campaigns conducted by him on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16027/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The National Cancer Registry, the statutory body responsible for collating data on the incidence of and mortality from cancer in Ireland, has supplied the following information in relation to the incidence of bowel cancer (colon, rectum and anus) for males for the years 1994 to 1998:

Health Board

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

Eastern	331	320	320	361	370
Midland	60	51	69	52	56
Mid-Western	99	63	68	89	99
North-Eastern	89	74	88	93	108
North-Western	60	75	93	81	78
Southern	170	176	167	174	168
South-Eastern	103	115	120	128	99
Western	124	115	121	109	132
Ireland	1,036	989	1,046	1,087	1,110

A considerable amount of research internationally has been conducted into bowel cancer and its prevention. Much of this has been focused on diet. Current data suggest that a western style diet, which is high in fat and low in fibre, may increase the risk of bowel cancer. The incidence of the disease is higher in countries where this style of diet is characteristic. However, cancer is a multifactoral disease and other factors such as family history have an important role to play.

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 risk factors associ ated 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 annual Europe against Cancer campaign.