Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to address the prevalence, detection and treatment of prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15241/05]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider introducing prostate screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15421/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 151 together.

A new national cancer strategy is currently being finalised by the National Cancer Forum, a multi-disciplinary group of experts in oncology. As part of this work, the forum has reviewed all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The forum is also developing criteria against which all future screening programmes will be assessed.

In relation to screening for prostate cancer, I understand the forum will recommend that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country. This issue should be reassessed when the results are available from randomised trials currently being conducted.

This position is consistent with the recommendations adopted by the European Union, which advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes that have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for health care resources. The proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer.

Appropriate treatment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is available at major hospitals throughout the country. Any man who has concerns in relation to prostate cancer should contact his GP who will, where appropriate, refer him to the appropriate services in his area.