Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
772 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to extend the free breast screening programme to the Southern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21514/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 10 September, I announced capital funding of approximately €20 million to progress the national roll-out to the southern and western counties. This is the next stage of the roll-out to ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group throughout the country will have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where required. I also approved the appointment of a design team to progress the implementation of the expansion programme in the south and west The design team will work up detailed plans for the construction of both BreastCheck clinical units. The BreastCheck clinical unit for the southern area will be at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork with three associated mobile units. The area of coverage will be Counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary SR.
The South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital and my Department and BreastCheck, are fully committed to a fast track approach to the roll-out of the programme and representatives are meeting this week to commence the design process.
773 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if prostate screening programmes are in place to help combat the high incidence of prostate cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21515/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national cancer strategy is currently being developed by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with my Department. As part of this work, a multi-disciplinary sub-group of the National Cancer Forum has reviewed all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. In relation to screening for prostate cancer, the group recommended that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population-based prostate screening programme in this country. The group also recommended that this issue should be reassessed when the results are available from randomised trials currently being conducted. The group's recommendation will inform the development of the new national cancer strategy.
This position is consistent with recent recommendations adopted by the European Union. This advocates the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for healthcare resources. The proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer.
