Dermot Ahern
Ceist:131 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the compilation of a cancer register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1782/96]
Written Answers. - Cancer Register.
Dermot Ahern
Ceist:133 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, there are to initiate a comparative cancer registry study between Ireland and areas on the west coast of Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1785/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 133 together.
The National Cancer Registry Board was established in 1991 in accordance with the provisions of Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 1991 in accordance with powers conferred on the Minister for Health by section 3 to 6 of the Health (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1961.
The function of the National Cancer Registry Board is to collect and classify information on all cancer cases which occur in Ireland.
The National Cancer Registry began full registration of cancer incidence and mortality in Ireland in January 1994. This data is currently being compiled and marks an important beginning for the availability of comprehensive and reliable data on patterns of cancer incidence, treatment and outcome in this country. The Cancer Registry's first national report will be published later this year.
In analysing cancer data for Ireland comparisons are made with data available from other countries, including England and Wales. However, there are at present no plans to initiate a specific comparative cancer registry study between Ireland and areas on the west coast of Britain.