Vol. 561 No. 4
368 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to reduce the waiting list in each health board area for people suffering from prostate cancer; and the length of time patients are on waiting lists in each health board area. [4537/03]
There are three main forms of treatment for cancer, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which can be used separately or in combination. These may be followed up by, or provided in conjunction with rehabilitation and palliative care. The treatment of cancer, including prostate cancer often takes place over a period of time and may involve a combination of treatments.
Since 1997, approximately €400 million has been specifically targeted for the development of cancer services under the national cancer strategy. An additional sum of €29 million was allocated in 2003 for cancer services. Among a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 80 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, general surgery, palliative care, histopathology and haematology, together with support staff.
In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the National Cancer Strategy 2003 is being developed by the national cancer forum in conjunction with my Department and will set out the key investment areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years. The new strategy will also address other issues, including mechanisms for collating data on waiting lists and times for the various modalities of cancer treatment. At present, data on waiting times specifically for prostate cancer services are not routinely collected by my Department
