asked the Minister for Health the present position in relation to the availability of oncology screening for women.
Written Answers. - Oncology Screening for Women.
135.
The question of providing oncology screening for women is a broad issue with not only major resource implications but questions at issue relative to the efficacy of such an approach to detection. The matter is, of course, kept under constant review in the light of developments here and in other countries.
At present cervical smear tests are available from general practitioners as well as from health centres and hospital outpatients departments.
The three main forms of breast examination are mammography, clinical examination and self examination and their relative places in the early detection of cancer is also still the subject of debate. General practitioners or public health nurses will advise on breast self examinations and the general practitioners will conduct a clinical examination and may then refer the patient to a specialist centre for further examinations which may include mammography.