Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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840. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the national cancer strategy specifically the strategies recommendation to develop a systematic, evidence-based mechanism to ascertain the potential benefits and the cost effectiveness of various initiatives including chemoprevention which will inform future cancer prevention programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6923/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Cancer prevention is a cornerstone of the National Cancer Strategy as it offers the most cost-effective, long-term approach to cancer control. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) works closely with Healthy Ireland on cancer prevention initiatives and is prioritising the implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce cancer lifestyle risks and to increase public protection from known carcinogens. The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan is among the initiatives involved, and a series of rolling cancer awareness campaigns is planned.

A National Cancer Prevention Network has been established, comprising the NCCP, Irish Cancer Society, Marie Keating Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research and the Irish Skin Foundation. The network facilitates collaboration on cancer prevention initiatives, agreement of consistent evidence based cancer prevention public awareness messages and support of national programmes.

A sum of €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding will facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.