James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy mentioned the Irish Cancer Society which does fantastic work in terms of fund-raising to create awareness among people of the dangers of lifestyle, the risks people take if they smoke and in encouraging men in particular who had a notoriously poor attitude to self-care in the past. I have often said that they are inclined to wait until they have a serious pain in their chest, as in going blue in the face, before they seek medical attention. That has been effective but we have to do more, although men, and women, are becoming more aware of their health and their health risks.

I would love to be in a position to say precisely when I can extend this programme but I am not in a position to do that at the moment. However, I want to reassure people that this is a screening service but as in the case of a woman who finds a breast lump, that is symptomatic and they should get it checked out. If someone develops symptoms suggestive of a change in bowel habit, bleeding or passing mucus, and I do not want to go into too much detail here, they should see their doctor. Anybody who has symptoms such as weight loss or abdominal pain should get that checked out, and the screening will be there for them. It is a different thing; it is symptomatic. I want to reassure people that within our service we have made sure, in terms of the prioritisation of people, that those with serious symptoms get seen quickly. Other questions have been tabled on this and the outpatient waiting lists etc. which I will answer when we reach them but the reality is that we need people to be aware of signs and symptoms that should be a cause of concern for them and about which they should see their doctor. I can assure them that with the new plans for protocols for referring, and electronic referrals, they can be assured that they will be seen quickly when their symptoms indicate that is necessary.

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