Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:68 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have inquiries made into the high incidence of cancer in the north east Kerry area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28957/00]
Written Answers. - Incidence of Cancer.
I have been advised by the director of the cancer register that the data currently collected is not sufficiently detailed to comment on areas with a county boundary which might appear to have a particular high incidence of the disease. The director stated that the over figure for County Kerry does not indicate a higher incidence when compared to the figures for other counties.
There has been considerable development in the care of treatment of patients with cancer over the last number of years. Since the launch of the national cancer strategy in November 1996 and the announcement of the action plan for the implementation of the strategy in March 1997 considerable improvements have taken place in this area.
The two underlying principles of the national cancer strategy are to take all measures possible to reduce rates of illness and death from cancer, in line with the targets established in the health strategy, Shaping a Healthier Future, and to ensure that those who develop cancer receive the most effective care and treatment and that their quality of life is enhanced to the greatest extent possible.
Underlying these objectives is the need for a high quality, patient focused service. One of the specific objectives of the strategy is to ensure that all patients have access to an equitable, effective service with a uniformly high quality of care, wherever they live.
Since the strategy was launched, regional directors of cancer services were appointed in each health board area. The regional directors were asked to prepare plans for the development of cancer services in their area and these plans were then submitted to my Department. The national cancer forum and Professor James Fennelly, special adviser on cancer services to the Department, advised on appropriate developments in each area. The main areas of development included that of consultant appointments. Some £41 million of dedicated funding has been allocated since 1997 for the development of cancer services.
The first phase of the national breast screening programme has commenced. At my request, a review of the symptomatic breast cancer services has been undertaken by the national cancer forum. I have received the report of this group, which I am considering. I propose to make funding available under the national cancer strategy to develop symptomatic breast cancer services further.
My Department is continuing 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.