Denis Naughten
Question:58 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he is taking to address the prevalence, detection and treatment of prostate cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15503/04]
View answerWednesday, 26 May 2004
Questions (49)
Written answers
Since 1997 there has been a cumulative additional investment in excess of €550 million in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer, including prostate cancer patients. This investment has enabled the funding of 92 additional consultant posts in the area of cancer care. An additional 245 clinical nurse specialists have also been appointed in the cancer services area.
In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy identified the need for the preparation of a new national cancer strategy. The national cancer strategy 2004 is currently being developed by the national cancer forum in conjunction with my Department. As part of this work, a sub-group of the national cancer forum has been established on generic screening. This multi-disciplinary group has reviewed all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. With regard to screening for prostate cancer in particular, the group recommended that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country. The group recommended that this issue should be reassessed when the results are available from international randomised trials currently being conducted. The group's recommendations will inform the development of the new national cancer strategy.
Recommendations adopted by the Council of the European Union in December 2003 advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy based on available professional expertise and priority setting for health care resources. The recommendations do not make any specific proposals in respect of the introduction of screening for prostate cancer.