Bernard Allen
Ceist:138 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to introduce a national screening programme for lung cancer, as recommend by a person (details supplied). [16323/00]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
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 an expert sub-group has been established to examine whether there would be benefit in introducing further screening programmes for cancer, including lung cancer. I await the forum's considered recommendation in this regard.