Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
467. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health to outline any work undertaken by his Department on the development of lung cancer screening for high risk groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4922/24]
View answerAs Minister for Health, I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
Any decisions about further changes or expansion of cancer screening, including the introduction of a lung cancer screening programme, will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
I would stress to the Deputy that careful consideration must be given to any proposed expansion of Ireland’s screening programmes and that this process must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. In this regard, I am pleased to report that the Committee is already progressing work on the further expansion of our current cancer screening programmes. However, this expansion is currently focused on the age range eligibility for the BowelScreen and BreastCheck programmes.
The Committee holds Calls for Submissions, which invite all stakeholders, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, to make proposals for the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or changes to existing programmes in Ireland. The Committee’s third Call for Submissions is currently open until 1 March 2024 and further information is available on the Committee's website at www.nsacommittee.ie.
Evidence received through the Call for Submissions will directly inform the prioritisation of conditions on the NSAC work programme. It is important to note that population health screening measures are not individual diagnostic tests. Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone who is worried about symptoms at any time is advised not to wait for screening but to contact their GP immediately, for appropriate follow-up care.
