Vol. 574 No. 5
108 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he intends to introduce to ensure that more men are screened for prostate cancer; the current rate of prostate cancer here; the mortality rate from prostate cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27597/03]
The latest report of the National Cancer Registry, Cancer in Ireland 1994-2002: Incidence, Mortality, Treatment and Survival, shows that the incidence rates of prostate cancer in men in all age groups showed statistically significant increases. The rate of increase between 1994 and 2002 was 5%. In 2002, 1,571 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 540 died from the disease. It is important to note that while the incidence rates from prostate cancer are increasing, the mortality rates are not increasing at the same level. This divergence between incidence and mortality rates may be due to better case-finding, more incidental diagnoses or a genuine increase in survival.
In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy identified the need for the preparation of a new national cancer strategy. Such a strategy is being developed by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with my Department. As part of this work, a sub-group of the forum has been established to examine generic screening. This multi-disciplinary group has reviewed all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The group recommended that there is insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population-based prostate screening programme in this country. It recommended that the issue should be reassessed when the results are available from international randomised trials being conducted at present. The group's recommendations will inform the development of the new national cancer strategy.
I wish to advise the Deputy of a draft proposal from the European Commission for a Council of Europe recommendation on cancer screening. The proposal, which is expected to be accepted by the Health Council before the end of the year, provides a framework for consideration by member states of cancer screening programmes. The proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer.
