Written answers

Thursday, 11 November 2010

Department of Health and Children

Cancer Incidence

6:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she has studied available information in respect of cancer research with particular reference to the various forms of cancer; the extent to which different locations or regions throughout the country register higher or lower levels for whatever reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42359/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The National Cancer Registry of Ireland is the principal source of information on cancer incidence, treatment and survival for the population of Ireland. In 2009, the Registry published An Atlas of Cancer in Ireland 1994-2003. That report described variations in cancer risk (incidence) at electoral district level in Ireland, with the objectives of investigating geographical variation; examining the relationships between area-based characteristics (such as population density) and cancer risk; and attempting to explain these relationships through the examination of area-based measures of socio-economic status and aspects of lifestyle. The report is available from the Registry and can be viewed on the Registry's website at www.ncri.ie.

Data from the Registry, together with data from sources such as the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry database, was used in deciding the configuration of cancer centres under the National Cancer Control Programme.

Cancer research forms a large part of the research programme in Ireland today. The National Cancer Control Strategy noted that cancer research is an essential component in the development, implementation and evaluation of a national cancer control programme. The Health Research Board (HRB) is the lead agency in Ireland supporting and funding health research and is the main channel of public funding for research at national level. The HRB has invested nearly €50 million in cancer research since 2005. This includes the development of a network of cancer clinical trials in 17 hospitals across Ireland in conjunction with the All-Ireland National Cancer Institute Cancer Consortium. Other sources of health research funding are varied and include voluntary bodies (e.g. Irish Cancer Society) and others.

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