Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to address the serious rise in the incidence of prostate cancer; her plans for the introduction of a national screening service to combat prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28799/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The most recent report from the National Cancer Registry, Cancer in Ireland 1994-2002, estimates the annual incidence of prostate cancer to have increased by 5% over the period.

A new national cancer strategy is currently being finalised by the national cancer forum, a multidisciplinary 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 has also developed criteria against which all future screening programmes will be assessed.

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

This position is consistent with the recommendations adopted by the European Union which advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes which 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 about prostate cancer should contact his GP who will, where appropriate, refer him to the appropriate services in his area.