Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 24 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 June 2006. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 5 June 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Cancer Screening

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will assess the merits of introducing bowel cancer screening in the Province.

Answer: The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) has considered the case for bowel screening and recommended that a population programme should be introduced. As a consequence, England and Scotland have announced their intention to introduce a bowel cancer screening programme.I would wish to see such a programme introduced in Northern Ireland. However, this will have a significant effect on current services for those showing possible symptoms of bowel cancer. Before a similar programme could be implemented in Northern Ireland there is a need to consider the current capacity and pressure on the symptomatic bowel service and to identify other issues which need to be addressed, including additional capacity required, training and accreditation of colonoscoptists and units.A workshop has therefore been arranged for 20 June 2006 to explore the issues and identify the steps and actions required in the symptomatic service in order to prepare for a bowel screening programme.

Secondary information