Vol. 547 No. 1
668 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports or support groups in place for victims and families of victims of melanoma; the priority this issue has within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2604/02]
Since the publication of the national cancer strategy in November 1996, a total of 1.363 million ongoing revenue has been provided to the health boards for the provision of counselling and support services for people diagnosed with cancer and their families.
The health promotion unit of my Department works closely with a range of statutory and voluntary groups to ensure that people have the information and the support to make healthy lifestyle choices. The unit supports an extensive range of initiatives organised by the Irish Cancer Society, a number of which have an impact on the levels of knowledge and awareness of the risk factors associated with many cancers including melanomas.
This support enables the society to organise an information and awareness campaign entitled Sunsmart. This begins in May each year, just before the holiday season gets underway. The campaign provides information packs and leaflets to those who are travelling abroad and to those who remain in Ireland. These materials provide comprehensive information on the nature, incidence and causes of skin cancers. Methods of identification are discussed and pictures depicting moles, etc, are shown. The leaflets also provide guidance on what to do in the case of a suspected skin cancer.
The health boards through the health promotion officers assist the Irish Cancer Society in the distribution of these information packs to pharmacies, health centres, etc.
