tailieunhanh - A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland - National Cancer Forum 2006

A substantially greater proportion of women with breast cancer are receiv- ing chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy than before 1988. Earlier symptomatic presentation and greater use of adjuvant therapy since 1988 has had a marked impact, reducing mortality rates from breast cancer, in addition to the specific contribution from the NHSBSP. Although some have questioned the value of screening for breast cancer, the scientific evidence demonstrates clearly that regular mammographic screening between the ages of 50 and 70 years reduces mortality from the malignancy. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that the 25% reduction in mortality seen in the trials of mammographic. | A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland National Cancer Forum 2006 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND CHILDREN AN ROINN SLÁINTEAGUS LEANAl Chairman s Foreword Cancer its prevention diagnosis and treatment are a major challenge for our society. Cancer is an illness that afflicts large numbers of people from all backgrounds and is feared by individuals and families alike. Yet there is much reason for optimism research holds out the possibility of major strides forward in prevention and cure in the coming decades. We are witnessing major improvements in the treatment of many types of cancer but these welcome improvements will also place substantial and diverse pressures on our health care system. The ageing of our population will result in an approximate doubling in the number of people who will develop cancer in Ireland over the next 15 years. It is self-evident that the current services will not be in a position to meet the substantial demand for treatment cure and care. Keeping pace with these demands will require a major government commitment to cancer services in the coming years which in turn will require the earliest possible decisions on investment human resource planning and the organisation of services. Our aim is to deliver a universal quality-based and timely service in line with the best that is currently available internationally. To address the rapidly rising burden of cancer this second National Cancer Strategy A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland 2006 advocates a comprehensive cancer control policy programme. Cancer control is a whole population integrated and cohesive approach to cancer that involves prevention screening diagnosis treatment and supportive and palliative care. It places a major emphasis on measurement of need and on addressing inequalities and implies that we must focus on ensuring that all elements of cancer policy and service are delivered to the maximum possible extent. This Strategy also focuses substantially on reform and .