Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2025
1193. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health her views on whether it is appropriate that there is no national skin cancer screening programme in Ireland at present; if there are any plans to establish such a programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24377/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1194. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health to estimate the costs of establishing a national skin cancer screening programme. [24378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
Skin cancers are among the most common cancers diagnosed worldwide, with an estimated 1.5 million cases diagnosed globally in 2022. In Ireland, more than 11,000 skin cancers are diagnosed each year. Of these, 89% are non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), which are rarely fatal, and 11% are melanoma skin cancers.
The majority of melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, with an overall five-year net survival for melanoma of 93%. This is significantly lower for those diagnosed at a late stage. Five-year survival rates for melanoma have improved by more than 10 percentage points, from 81.7% for those diagnosed between 1994 and 1998 to 92.1% for the diagnosis period 2014-2018. As with all cancers, early diagnosis improves prognosis. The five-year net survival for NMSC is effectively 100%.
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 notes that more than 75% of the population in Ireland has a complexion classified as Fitzpatrick skin type 1 or 2, i.e. skin that burns easily or always, which greatly increases skin cancer risk. In recognition of this and the increasing incidence and burden of skin cancer in Ireland and given that the majority of skin cancers are potentially preventable, the Strategy contains a recommendation to develop a national skin cancer prevention plan. The first Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2019-2022 was published in 2019.
The second National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026 aims to increase awareness and adoption of skin cancer prevention behaviours, in order to reverse the rising incidence of skin cancer in Ireland. It is considered that skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and not using sunbeds.
The plan identifies and contains targeted actions for key vulnerable groups. These groups include, children, adolescents and young adults, outdoor workers, those who partake in outdoor sport, recreation and tourism and sunbed users.
In terms of screening, any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes will be facilitated through established protocols. In this regard, it is important to be aware that the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposals for the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or suggested changes to existing screening programmes.
NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister for Health. The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
It may be of interest to note that NSAC holds annual Calls for Submissions, which invite proposals from all stakeholders and organisations, including members of the public, HSE and other medical professionals, for the introduction of new population-based screening programmes or changes to existing programmes. The next Call will be launched shortly and information on how to make a submission will be available on the NSAC website www.nsacommittee.gov.ie.
Finally, I would emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.
