Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 66: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the extension of the breast screening programme; if she has plans to introduce a programme of screening for prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12625/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The rollout of the national breast screening programme to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.

Design briefs for the BreastCheck static units at South Infirmary, Victoria Hospital, Cork and University College Hospital, Galway have been completed. The advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal shortly. I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the expansion of BreastCheck nationally will be met. Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should consult her GP, who where appropriate will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

The national cancer forum, a multi-disciplinary group of cancer experts, as part of the preparation of a new national cancer strategy has reviewed all issues concerned with screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate cancer. The forum will advise that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country. The forum will also advise that emerging international evidence on prostate screening should be kept under review. This position is consistent with the recommendations adopted by the European Union which do not provide a specific recommendation for prostate screening. It advocates the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and which reflect priority setting for healthcare resources.