Seanad debates
Wednesday, 16 April 2003
Cancer Treatment Services: Statements.
Senator Glynn talked about a prostate specific antigen and screening for prostate cancer which, combined with a clinical examination, does appear to be worthwhile. I must praise those involved within the construction industry who initiated a free screening programme for their members. This was useful, even in trying to get men to take a better interest in their own health. Such screening programmes are costly and have to be shown to be cost effective. I do not know if the incidence of prostate cancer or breast cancer is greater but, again, we have to look at environmental factors because both cancers occur in fatty tissue and there are constant worries about pesticides, herbicides and so on. In a country such as this we really must have ongoing research in these areas.
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