Bernard Allen
Question:109 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate a situation where women in the County Cavan area have to travel to Dublin to have a mammography. [27406/01]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
Phase one of BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, was launched in October 2000, covering the functional areas of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the North-Eastern and Midland Health Boards. It is estimated that there are approximately 140,000 eligible women living within the phase one area of the programme and, up to 30 June 2001, BreastCheck had invited 43,283 women to attend for screening.
In relation to the North-Eastern Health Board specifically, County Meath was screened by BreastCheck in the period October 2000 to May 2001. One of BreastCheck's mobile units is currently based in Drogheda and is screening women from the surrounding area. It is anticipated that the mobile unit will move to the remaining counties of Cavan and Monaghan once screening in Louth is complete.