Vol. 515 No. 2
87 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the call made by a person (details supplied) of the Irish Cancer Society for the introduction of a bowel cancer screening programme; the plans, if any, he has for the introduction of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5500/00]
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is vital that the techniques used in screening for cancer are proved to be medically effective and accurate before screening programmes, covering large segments of the population, are introduced. Reliable screening techniques for breast cancer and cervical cancer are now well established internationally.
I am keeping the question of introducing screening programmes for other forms of cancer under review, having regard to the most up to date advice on the medical effectiveness of the available screening techniques. The national cancer forum, an expert advisory body established by one of my predecessors, has given this matter some consideration and has recently established an expert sub group to examine whether there would be benefit in introducing further screening programmes for cancer, including bowel cancer. I await the forum's considered recommendation in this regard.
