Do you think there is a need for national screening programmes for prostate and colo-rectal cancer?
There is no evidence to support national prostate screening. There is, however, strong evidence supporting colo-rectal screening. I am very supportive of this screening being introduced as is the Minister and it is a question of how quickly that can happen. There is an initiative to see if resources can be identified from within the HSE from the existing resource base. Which services will remain at the units from where cancer surgery has moved or is moving? All the chemotherapy centres are unchanged. We have said that from day one, and some of them will be enhanced. Chemotherapy is a closer-to-home thing because patients are getting chemo for six or nine months. One of the features of the cancer system in Ireland, however, is that it is far too hospital – oriented. We are working with GPs to develop a community oncology programme to train and educate GPs in oncology (the medical treatment of cancer) and to enhance nursing capability in oncology care. This will enhance early diagnosis a
