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

Question 99: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to launch a renewed campaign to highlight the issues surrounding prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35189/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men. There are approximately 1,150 new invasive prostate cancer cases annually. It is predominantly a disease experienced by older men with the majority of cases occurring in the 70–74 year age group and the majority of deaths in the 80–84 year age group. The Department of Health and Children published a National Strategy for Cancer Control in June 2006. This National Strategy was developed by the National Cancer Forum which is chaired by Professor Paul Redmond, Head of Surgery, University College Cork and Cork University Hospital. The Forum is multidisciplinary and representative of all levels of service, both community and hospital based, and of the Health Service Executive. It also has consumer representation.

As part of its work on the Strategy, the Forum reviewed all issues relating to cancer control including specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. It highlighted that cancer control requires a whole population, integrated and cohesive approach that involves prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive and palliative care. It places a major emphasis on measurement of need and on addressing inequalities. The Forum did not call for a specific awareness campaign on the issue of prostate cancer.

The Forum concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country but said that this issue should be reassessed when 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 healthcare resources.

We are very supportive of the Irish Cancer Society's campaign entitled "Action Prostate Cancer" which was launched in April of this year by the Minister for Health and Children. Its aim is to become the leading provider of prostate cancer information and support in Ireland. 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.