Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 769: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the document Cancer Prevention: What the Experts Say. [29798/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The document referred to by the Deputy is a publication of the Stillorgan & District Cancer Support Services. It has as its central thesis that "although great advances have been made in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, by far the greatest hope lies in its prevention." Prevention and early detection is a key element of the Strategy for Cancer Control which I published last June. My objective is to develop an integrated cancer control programme based on:

evidence of what works to prevent and treat cancer

standards that assure quality in all aspects of cancer control and

fairness, so that all patients, irrespective of county, region or personal financial means, can be assured of the best cancer care.

As many as one third of cancers could be prevented by public policy initiatives and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. As I emphasised on publication of the Strategy, the Government has decided that it needs to put renewed emphasis on prevention as well as treatment. The Strategy endorses the National Health Promotion Strategy which is being progressed by my Department.

Our efforts to prevent cancer will include societal and public policy responses to reduce smoking and alcohol misuse and improve diet and exercise. I have written to the Minister for Finance on fiscal measures to reduce the consumption of tobacco. Heads of a Bill are being prepared for consideration by Government to regulate the use of sunbeds, including prohibiting their use by those under 16.

Screening for certain types of cancer plays a crucial role in the detection of pre-cancerous and early disease, saving lives and reducing morbidity. I will shortly establish a National Cancer Screening Agency to amalgamate BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) to deliver both programmes nationally. BreastCheck will commence national roll-out next year. It is my goal to have the ICSP rolled out nationally by 2008, based on an affordable model. The Agency will also advise in relation to a colorectal cancer screening programme.

In parallel, my Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive in establishing a National Cancer Control Programme. I intend to invest substantially in cancer control under this programme.