Seán Power
Ceist:210 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if the incidence of child cancer is on the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21527/00]
Written Answers. - Cancer Incidence.
Seán Power
Ceist:211 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are any statistics available confirming that more children make a full recovery from cancer than in previous years; if this is as a result of the treatment now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21528/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
I understand from the national cancer registry that the latest available data on numbers of new childhood – zero to 14 years – cancer cases registered in Ireland were as follows:
|
Year |
New cancer cases (0-14 years) |
|
1994 |
63 |
|
1995 |
84 |
|
1996 |
57 |
|
1997 |
58 |
I wish to inform the Deputy that there are no statistics available on the number of children making a full recovery from cancer as the national cancer registry have no pre-1994 figures available for comparison with the above data. The number of deaths from childhood cancer is small and shows considerable variation from year to year, so the discovery of time trends in survival will require at least ten years data.
My Department will continue to work with the national cancer forum and the regional directors of cancer services in identifying priorities for the further development of cancer services in all regions, building on the major progress made to date.