Vol. 512 No. 6
288 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the survey conducted by Caring About Women and Cancer which suggested that inadequate cytology and cancer treatment services were responsible for lengthy delays in female cancer patients being diagnosed; the steps, if any, he will take to deal with the shortcomings addressed in the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27109/99]
The Caring About Women and Cancer report is the result of a trans-European investigation undertaken by a pan-European programme surveying approximately 15,000 women with cancer. The initiative was developed under the guidance of a European core advisory board and was conducted in each of the participating countries, including Ireland, under the guidance of national advisory boards which adapted the programme locally.
The report contained a number of recommendations, including: the need to raise public awareness of cancer; the need for a high level of participation in screening programmes; the need for women to take responsibility for their own health; the need for appropriate treatment as soon as possible following diagnosis and the need for adequate communication between patients and medical staff regarding treatment.
The national cancer strategy had commenced addressing these issues prior to the publication of this report. Since the commencement of the implementation of the strategy considerable resources have been allocated to improving the cancer services available in this country, from diagnosis through to palliative care services. Some £26 million was allocated between 1997 and 1999 to implement the action plan for the national cancer strategy, and I have provided a further £11.464 million under the strategy for 2000.
Considerable dedicated funding has been allocated to histopathology and cytology services over the past three years. Under the national cancer strategy I have allocated over £1.5 million for the provision of additional consultant histopathologists and additional cytoscreeners. Preparation for phase one of the national cervical screening programme is progressing well and it is anticipated that it will commence screening in the early part of 2000.
It is important to note from the Caring About Women and Cancer report, that once women present for treatment, the vast majority of women are very happy with the services provided. I am confident that the improvements to date under the national cancer strategy will further enhance the services and achieve the ultimate goal of reducing the number of deaths from cancer.
