Seán Power
Ceist:139 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if the incidence of cancer in children is increasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26408/99]
Written Answers. - Cancer Incidence.
National figures on the incidence of cancer are available from the National Cancer Registry for the years 1994 to 1996. The incidence of cancers among children for these years is set out in the table following. Due to the relatively small numbers of cases, the incidence rate can vary significantly from year to year. There is no evidence that the incidence of cancer in children is increasing.
|
Year |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
1994 |
64 |
62 |
126 |
|
1995 |
85 |
62 |
147 |
|
1996 |
57 |
49 |
106 |
Since the national cancer strategy was initiated, considerable developments have taken place in the cancer services. These developments include additional consultant medical oncologists being appointed together with appropriate support staff. Funding is in place for further consultant medical oncology posts. Other consultant staffing have been appointed in the areas of haematology, histopathology and palliative care.
The Council for Children's Hospital Care is in the process of reorganising paediatric cancer services in consultation with the cancer specialists concerned. This reorganisation arises from a recommendation regarding the structure of paediatric cancer services by the National Cancer Forum.
I am confident that these measures will ensure that high quality cancer treatment is available to all cancer patients.