Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2008
143 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people diagnosed and deaths per annum from prostate, breast and cervical cancer; the prevalence of each cancer; the strategy employed by her Department to address each cancer; the funding provided on an annual basis over the past five years by Cancer Research Ireland for research into each of these cancers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18028/08]
View answerStatistics in relation to cancer incidence are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the Director of the Registry to examine these matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Statistics in relation to cancer deaths are collated by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). My Department has asked the CSO to examine these matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Last September, the Government endorsed the establishment by the HSE of a National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to manage, organise and deliver a national programme for the entire population, in line with the National Cancer Control Strategy approved by Government in June 2006. Prof. Keane took up his post as National Cancer Control Director on 19 November 2007. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. This will involve significant realignment of services to move from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control. The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Professor Tom Keane is currently engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the orderly phased transfer of services between locations.
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) was established on 1 January 2007 and will deliver both programmes nationally. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western Region last May and in the Southern region last October.
The roll out of a national cervical screening programme is the most efficient population approach to preventing and controlling cervical cancer. The NCSS is planning to roll out such a programme on a national basis and is in the final stages of preparations.
The National Cancer Control Strategy does not recommend the introduction of a population based screening programme for prostate cancer as there is currently insufficient evidence available. This position is consistent with the Recommendations adopted by the European Union which advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for healthcare resources. The EU proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer. My Department and the National Cancer Screening Service will keep emerging international evidence under review including the results of randomised trials that are currently being conducted internationally.
Appropriate treatment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is available at major hospitals throughout the country. Any man who has concerns in relation to prostate cancer should contact his GP who will, where appropriate, refer him to the appropriate services in his area.
Cancer Research Ireland is an autonomous body within the framework of the Irish Cancer Society. My Department does not have details of funding provided by Cancer Research Ireland. However, I have been informed by the Health Research Board (HRB) that it co-funds a number of projects with the Irish Cancer Society as part of the Medical Research Council's co-funded research scheme. In 2007 the HRB provided funding of over €800,000 to the Irish Cancer Society for nine projects, including two projects specific to prostate cancer.
