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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Nov 1988

Vol. 383 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Breast Cancer Screening Programme.

70.

asked the Minister for Health if he considers it advisable to establish a national breast cancer screening programme; the steps he proposes to take in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

My Department have been monitoring the outcome of breast cancer screening programmes in other countries. There is some evidence that where these programmes are introduced on a phased basis, with expert staff, good equipment and adequate back-up facilities, they can reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer in women aged 50 years and over. However, in some countries with extensive breast cancer screening services there has been no reduction in the overall number of deaths from breast cancer.

In the interest of the health of Irish women, I consider that we must have excellence in all the basic requirements of a screening programme before such a programme is introduced. The outcome of any breast cancer screening programme must be carefully monitored to ensure it is reaching its objective of reducing deaths from breast cancer.

Clinical breast examination is available to Irish women from their general practitioners and they may be referred for mammography to hospitals throughout the country. The expertise of radio-graphers carrying out mammography and of radiologists reporting on the mammograms is increasing. Breast cancer clinics are now developing in association with mammography facilities. Therefore, the basic requirements of expertise and equipment for a screening programme are gradually developing in this country. The service has now reached the level that I am now considering an application for funds for the establishment of a breast cancer screening programme for women aged over 50 years of age in a specific catchment area. This project will act as a pilot project for possible expansion of screening services at a later date.

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