Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:
15
Ms Clune
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
the action, if any, he will take to ensure no delay occurs between the time when a woman is diagnosed as having cancer and the commencement of appropriate treatment in view of the results of the caring about women and cancer survey; and the steps, if any, he will take to ensure the cytology services are properly resourced.
[26673/99]
Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): The Caring About Women and Cancer report, to which the Deputy refers, is the result of a trans-European investigation undertaken by a pan-European programme surveying approximately 15,000 women with cancer. Among the key findings of the survey are that: there was a high satisfaction rating with medical professionals during all stages of treatment, from pre-diagnosis to aftercare, but some women felt that there should be greater communication between the hospital and the general practitioner; very few women surveyed carried out pre-screening despite a high level of awareness among women that early detection offered the best possibility of a good outcome; patients wanted to know more about the anticipated side effects of their treatment, particularly with chemotherapy; and women also expressed an interest in having more time with their general practitioner.
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.
Under the national cancer strategy we had already been addressing a range of these issues prior to the publication of the report referred to by the Deputy. 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 under the national cancer strategy between 1997 and 1999, and I have allocated a further £11.464 million under this heading for services in 2000.
The national breast screening programme, the first phase of which is now beginning, will offer a high quality screening service to women in the 50 to 64 age group. Breast Check is endeavouring to ensure that a high participation in the screening programme is achieved.
The National Cancer Forum, which advises me on matters relating to the development of the cancer services, held a cancer information work shop during the year, and is currently examining ways in which to address the issue of making all relevant information on cancer prevention, treatment and services available to both the public and medical personnel. The forum, in consultation with the Women's Health Council and Breast Check, is also reviewing the symptomatic breast cancer services currently available, so that these will complement the national breast screening programme. I am expecting a report from the forum on this matter very shortly. Any recommendations that arise from this report will be examined and the necessary developments initiated as part of the national cancer strategy.
Cancer liaison nurses have been employed by the Eastern Health Board, funded by the national cancer strategy, to aid co-ordination of services for patients and improve communication between medical personnel, general practitioners and cancer patients.
Considerable dedicated funding has been allocated to histopathology and cytology services in the past three years. Under the national cancer strategy I have allocated some £1.5 million for the provision of additional consultant histopathologists and additional cytoscreeners. Preparations for phase one of the national cervical screening programme are progressing well and it is anticipated that it will commence screening in the early part of 2000.
It is pleasing to note from the Caring About Women and Cancer report, that once women do 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.
