John Gormley
Ceist:254 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which the cancer register operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22264/99]
Written Answers. - National Cancer Registry Board.
The National Cancer Registry Board was established by my predecessor in 1991, by statutory instrument. Its functions were laid down in its establishment order as follows: to identify, collect, classify, record, store and analyse information relating to the incidence and prevalence of cancer and related tumours in Ireland; to collect, classify, record and store information in relation to each newly diagnosed individual cancer patient and in relation to each tumour which occurs; to promote and facilitate the use of the data thus collected in approved research and in the planning and management of services; to publish an annual report based on the activities of the registry and to furnish advice, information and assistance in relation to any aspect of such service to the Minister.
Since its establishment in 1991, the National Cancer Registry has worked hard to build up a comprehensive and systematic picture of trends in cancer illnesses and deaths in Ireland. The first nationwide picture of the incidence of cancer in this country was produced by the registry in respect of 1994. The registry recently published its third national report. This report contains comprehensive data for 1996.
The data produced by the registry is a vital part of the process required to evaluate the state of our cancer services. The reports that it publishes, and the tailored information which it produces for specific requests, are an essential element of the work to implement and monitor the principles of the national cancer strategy.