Cancer Screening Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009

Tuesday, 6 October 2009

Ceisteanna (329, 330)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

424 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to build on the success of prostate cancer awareness week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33211/09]

Joe Carey

Ceist:

427 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a comprehensive screening programme for prostate cancer here in respect of men over 50 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33214/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 and 427 together.

I have no plans to introduce a population-based screening programme for prostate cancer at this time. The available international evidence does not indicate that such a programme would be effective in reducing mortality. For this reason the National Cancer Control Strategy (2006) did not recommend the introduction of a population based screening programme for prostate cancer. This position is consistent with the Recommendations adopted by the European Union which indicate that cancer screening programmes should be introduced only when they have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to expert medical evidence. My Department and the National Cancer Screening Service will keep emerging international evidence under review, including the results of randomised trials that are currently being conducted internationally.

The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is working to enhance access to early diagnosis and multi-disciplinary decision-making for prostate cancer. I am pleased to say that Rapid Access Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Clinics are being established in each of the eight cancer centres designated under the NCCP. Patients at higher risk will be fast-tracked to these clinics, and those patients who receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer will have immediate access to a multidisciplinary specialist cancer consultation regarding appropriate management.

The first two Rapid Access clinics have opened at University Hospital Galway (UHG) and St. James's Hospital, Dublin, with two more (St. Vincent's and Beaumont) to be established later this year and a further four in 2010.

Any man who has concerns in relation to prostate cancer should contact his GP for appropriate referral.