Michael D. Higgins
Question:41 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when he expects that the national cancer strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18368/04]
View answerTuesday, 22 June 2004
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Written answers
As I have previously advised the House, the national cancer forum is developing a new national cancer strategy which is expected to be completed later this year. This strategy will build on the progress that has been made during the implementation of the 1996 national cancer strategy and set out the key priority areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the coming years. It will have regard to developments and best practice in other jurisdictions and will make recommendations in relation to the organisation and structure of cancer services nationally.
A significant body of work has been undertaken in the development of the strategy to date. Representatives of the national cancer forum have met with representatives of the ERHA and all health boards. The forum wrote to more than 90 professional bodies, voluntary bodies, and other stakeholders in order to obtain their views on cancer treatment services. Members of the public have been consulted through advertisements placed in the media.
As part of the preparation of the new strategy, an evaluation of the extent to which the objectives of the 1996 strategy have been met was carried out by Deloitte & Touche consultants and published last December. The key goal of the 1996 national cancer strategy was to achieve a 15% decrease in mortality from cancer in the under 65 year age group in the ten-year period from 1994. The Deloitte & Touche evaluation demonstrated that this reduction was achieved in 2001, which was three years ahead of target.
Sub-groups of the national cancer forum were established on generic screening, organisation of cancer services, evaluation and outcomes, evidence based medicine, genetics, nursing and patient issues. The work of these subgroups is informing the development of the new strategy.
In relation to the implementation of the 1996 national cancer strategy, since 1997, there has been a cumulative additional investment of approximately €550 million in the development of cancer services. This includes an additional sum of €15 million which was allocated in 2004 for cancer services. This substantial investment has enabled the funding of 92 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, palliative care, histopathology, haematology and radiation oncology. An additional 245 clinical nurse specialists have also been appointed in the cancer services area.