Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

329 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on a recent report in a journal (details supplied) dated 11 December 2002, that the national breast screening programme, BreastCheck, will not be expanded nationwide until September 2004 at the earliest and also that it is likely that either the planned units in the west or south would be ready for operation in less than 24 months following approval from his Department; and if he will take immediate steps to end the discrimination for women outside of the current BreastCheck defined areas. [2549/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The board of BreastCheck has submitted a business plan to my Department for the national expansion of the programme, requiring a further investment of €27 million, including €13 million capital costs.

A number of key issues have been raised by health boards and health professionals in relation to the national roll out of BreastCheck which need to be addressed in advance of national expansion. In particular, there is concern that under the BreastCheck proposal, women would be referred for surgery outside their regions, despite the significant investment which has been made in the development of symptomatic breast disease services at regional level. This investment is in line with the report of the sub-group of the national cancer forum on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease.

My Department is currently in discussions with the executive of BreastCheck in relation to the expansion of the programme and especially the linkages with the symptomatic services. As I advised the Select Committee on Health and Children on 5 December last, these issues must be resolved before any extension beyond the eastern region.

Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

Bernard Allen

Question:

330 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to introduce a national prostate cancer screening programme. [2550/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Since 1997, approximately €130 million has been specifically targeted for the development of cancer services under the national cancer strategy. An additional sum of €29 million was allocated in 2003 for cancer services.

In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy has identified a requirement to prepare a new national cancer strategy. This plan is currently being prepared by the national cancer forum in conjunction with my Department and will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services.

As part of this work, a sub-group of the national cancer forum has been established on generic screening. This multidisciplinary group is currently reviewing all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The group's recommendations will inform the development of the new national cancer strategy 2003.