Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

295 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children his Department's response to a new study carried out in Denmark which calls into question the effectiveness of mammography; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3196/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Deputy will be aware that BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, was established as a corporate body under section 11 of the Health Act, 1970 on 3 September 1998. The organisation, under the directorship of Dr. Jane Buttimer, is charged with the administration and implementation of the national breast screening programme under which screening is due to commence by end February 2000.

Concerns expressed in the media as to the effectiveness of mammography arising from a study by two statisticians published in the Lancet, 8 January 2000, have been investigated by BreastCheck which does not accept the findings on the basis of the methods of evaluation, the scope, age profiles and randomised nature of selection utilised by the authors. My Department is in full agreement with BreastCheck on this issue. However, I have requested a more detailed technical evaluation of the study which findings I will be happy to make available to the Deputy when the work is completed.