Cancer Screening Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2015

Thursday, 28 May 2015

Ceisteanna (26)

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

26. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health if he will include in the new national cancer strategy an objective to broaden the campaign for early detection of and screening for all cancers, as opposed to the current campaign which focuses solely on high incidence cancer types, so as to increase the chances of other more rare cancers being detected at an early stage, leading to more successful outcomes for sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20544/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Cancer Strategy Steering Group, which I have established to advise my Department on developing a new National Cancer Strategy for 2016-2025, met for the first time yesterday, 27 May.

Early detection and screening will be among the issues that will be considered by the Steering Group. However, screening for all cancers is unlikely to be introduced and any proposals for additional screening programmes would have to be assessed in the light of international evidence.

I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Steering Group later this year.