Serious concern has been expressed about inconsistencies in the treatment outcomes for prostate cancer around the State. It coincided with a call for a Government report on the adequacy and types of treatments available.
The call was made by the Irish Cancer Society which hosted a conference on the issue yesterday. Its chief executive, Prof John Armstrong, said it was "vital" that there was a clear national picture of what prostate cancer treatments were available.
"Only then can we plan for the development of optimum prostate cancer treatment services. The most urgent issue at the moment is that all men are assessed on diagnosis of prostate cancer by a urologist and all treatment options are presented and explained so that men can weigh up the advantages and disadvantages and make an informed choice."
He said the report, which the society is calling for, could be carried out on a similar basis to a study on breast cancer services by Prof Niall O'Higgins in 2000. This produced a blueprint for the development of services for symptoms of breast cancer.
There are about 1,370 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Ireland each year and on average 519 deaths a year.
A spokesman said Minister for Health Mary Harney had received a Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland from the National Cancer Forum.
"The strategy makes recommendations in relation to organisation, governance, quality assurance and accreditation across the continuum of cancer care from prevention and health promotion through to treatment services, palliative care and research."
Anyone concerned about prostate cancer may call the society's nurse on freefone 1800 380380.
