Cancer Incidence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2016

Thursday, 7 July 2016

Ceisteanna (237, 238, 239)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

237. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health to set down the number of persons diagnosed with sarcoma here on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20207/16]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

238. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health to set down the number of sarcoma specialists employed in the health service here; his plans to extend this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20208/16]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

239. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health to explain the way in which sarcoma services in St. Vincent's University Hospital are funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20209/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 to 239, inclusive, together.

Approximately 220 cases of sarcoma are diagnosed in Ireland every year. These include bone and soft tissue sarcomas.

Sarcoma can occur in many parts of the body and so it is treated by a variety of medical professionals, across surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology services. Thus, many consultants and other medical personnel are involved in the treatment of patients with sarcoma, but none are working specifically as designated sarcoma specialists. It is intended to increase, in line with available resources, the number of consultant medical oncologists working in the eight designated cancer centres to meet demand.

Funding for the sarcoma service in St. Vincent's University Hospital comes from the general budget allocation for the hospital.