710 patients died of cancer last year between January and September, Health Minister Chris Feane said in Parliament this evening.

403 of these patients were men he said, while one of the patients was under 15-years-old. Lung cancer was the most common cancer form in men, while breast cancer the most common in women. The most common age group affected are those aged between 65 and 74 years old.

The minister was responding to a Parliamentary question posed by PL MP Anthony Agius Decelis.

PN Whip David Agius followed up this question, and asked about cancer prevention measures.

He said that soon, government will put forward a national cancer plan for public consultation, that will cover the next five years.  "Around a third of cancer is preventable,"  he said, adding that "one of the biggest causes for lung cancer is smoking, and passive smoking. As you know, this year we passed a legal notice that states that one cannot smoke in a car with children."

He also said that excessive alcohol consumption and obesity can lead to cancer.

He spoke of the importance of realising one has cancer earlier on, as the earlier it is caught generally means a higher chance of a cure. This, he said, is where screening comes in.

PL Whip Godfrey Farrugia asked what new kinds of care for cancer will be made available this year.

"In the first weeks of March we will announce the cancer plan for the next five years. This means that measures for prevention and care will not be ad-hoc, and will form part of a comprehensive plan.

He spoke of measures included in the budgetary estimates, and spoke of a vote which passed regarding €3 million for new cancer medication.

He also spoke about the creation of sibling groups when it comes to children suffering with cancer, where siblings would be included in the patient's care treatment plan. He also spoke of a clinical trials unit, where patients would be able to benefit from the newest medicines on the market.

"We will also create a cancer research platform where we can use our experience and unite with foreign centers to increase research and apply results of local research."

PL MP Anthony Agius Decelis asked about environment pollution and respiratory problems. Mr Fearne said that studies on the Marsa power station had occurred in the past, and the incidence rate of cancer in the vicinity when the plant was open was conducted. Through this study, he said, "in the majority of cancers there was no difference between one who stays in Mosta or right next to the Marsa station, however in cases of lung cancer there was a direct correlation with regards to the distance the person resides from the power station."

He reiterated that the Marsa station has stopped operations.

PL Whip Godfrey Farrugia asked him about the new EU approved funds for the Paola hub.

The Paola Primary Health Care Southern Regional Hub', aims at providing and supporting a number of cohesive primary health facilities, all under one roof, thus providing a 'one-stop-shop ' health care provision for the Southern region, a statement he released read.

 The centre, he said, will have a car park of around 250 cars, "so residents will not be inconvenienced through the new services the regional centre will create."