Vol. 492 No. 4
56 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give positive consideration to the introduction of a screening programme in view of the importance in the early detection of prostate cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/98]
My Department will continue to keep the question of a pilot prostate screening programme under review in light of the available international evidence. As in the case of all potential screening initiatives, it is vital that we first satisfy ourselves as to the efficacy of any prostate screening programme.
Extensive trials on screening for prostate cancer are already under way. The National Cancer Institute in the USA and the European Cancer Programme are engaging in major studies involving over 120,000 men to study the potential value of specific screening programmes. It is hoped that the trials will also provide valuable information about mortality, identification of high risk groups and the most appropriate screening intervals, if such screening is proved to be medically effective.
