Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

114 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures that could be introduced for early detection of prostate cancer; the preliminary data from the new European study on prostate problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18351/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

It is vital 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 will keep 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, which advises me on all aspects of cancer services, will continue to have an important role in this and I will ask the forum to ensure that all relevant research is taken into account in arriving at a conclusion on the introduction of new screening programmes and techniques.