Mary Henry (Independent)

A cervical cancer screening programme must be introduced at once. Nine years ago we were told it was to be rolled out but no progress has been made.

BreastCheck is another important programme which must be rolled out nationwide. I am extremely glad it is not advertised too often. I wonder how I would feel if I lived in part of the country where BreastCheck is not available, only to be told by advertisements that I needed to be screened because it is a matter of life and death. Opportunistic screening is not as satisfactory as a planned programme, such as BreastCheck. The same planned programme is necessary for cervical screening. Another problem regarding cervical cancer screening is the shortage of cytologists. While there is a shortage in all cancer detection and treatment areas, it is important that this shortage is addressed.

The Minister of State did not refer to the genetics of cancer. More women with breast cancer might be saved if there were genetic profiles of women who appear to have a family history of breast cancer. This is a serious problem. The first degree relatives, such as a mother, occasionally a father or sisters, should be in a position to have the genetic make-up of a cancer examined. These women should be screened to see if they have the same genetic profile. A considerable number of families have a predisposition to breast cancer. Breast cancer and ovarian cancer genetics are closely linked. Unfortunately, the cure rate with ovarian cancer, because it is normally discovered at a late stage, is not the best. In Tallaght Hospital, a clinic was started for counselling and establishing genetic profiles of various family members of people who appeared to have a family history of breast cancer. Unfortunately, within months, there was a year and a half waiting list, which is not satisfactory.

I am glad the Minister of State referred to the link between cancer and obesity. For a long time, fat was considered simply as blubber with no more effect than making it difficult for running up and down the stairs. However, it is now known to produce substances similar to endocrine hormones, which can have serious effects on the body. That nothing has been done about the obesity report is very disappointing. The Department of Health and Children must tackle this problem as, unfortunately, we are getting fatter by the hour. In a recent debate the Government was taking credit for some matters. I pointed out it should also take credit for the fact that when it was elected in 1997, the obesity rate among adults was 8%, but when it was re-elected it was 14%. By the next election, it will be at 18%.

Senator Glynn was correct on the risks of alcohol consumption, particularly undiluted alcohol. We have had success with smoking and there has been a reduction in pipe-smoking. Regarding cancer of the bladder, again, men must be told blood in their urine is a sign of something and that they should see a GP. There is a high incidence of oral cancers in Ireland because the dental health service was not as good as it should have been. Regular visits to the dentist will ensure oral cancers are detected.

Access to good public transport is the main factor that militates against specialised centres for cancer treatment. A friend of mine, who had radiotherapy in Cork, told me it was profoundly depressing to see notes on a board in the unit asking for lifts to Sneem or Lismore. Public transport is not the best in some parts of the country. However, with better co-operation with Northern Ireland's health services, there are some improvements. For a Donegal patient, there is better access to Belfast than to Dublin.

I hope all politicians will take note of my call to avoid making the dispersal of specialised cancer treatment centres a political issue in the next election. We must take the advice from the experts in this area. I believed that long-distance radiology and instruction regarding radiotherapy might be more possible than apparently it is. It must be remembered the top priority is the best outcome for the patient. We must avoid making this serious issue a political football.