The chairman of the National Cancer Forum recently submitted a report entitled A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland, 2006. As part of the development of this strategy, the forum, a multi-disciplinary group of experts in oncology, reviewed all issues relating to screening and has developed criteria against which all future screening programmes will be assessed.
The forum has recommended that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country. This issue should be reassessed when the results are available from randomised trials currently being conducted. This position is consistent with the recommendations adopted by the European Union which advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for health care resources. The proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer. Appropriate treatment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is available at major hospitals throughout the country. Any man who has concerns regarding prostate cancer should contact his GP who will, where appropriate, refer him to the appropriate services in his area.