Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

290 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider a suggestion by a person (details supplied) that a national cervical and breast screening programme could be delivered simultaneously from the same centres and this would increase the pick-up rate amongst women; and if he will introduce such a system. [10040/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Given the different policies regarding breast screening and cervical screening it is not considered feasible for both services to be delivered simultaneously at the same centres. For example, breast screening is based on a specialised service model, either in a dedicated location or in a mobile unit for women in the 50-64 age band with a two-year screening interval using high technology equipment. All these units are equipped with the specialised equipment required to undertake breast screening and all such screening is undertaken by specialised radiographers. BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in March 2000 with phase one of the programme covering the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the Midland Health Board and the North-Eastern Health Board areas. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in the target age group in these areas.

Cervical screening is carried out in the primary care setting, in GP clinics and nationwide centres, and is provided to women in the 25-60 age band with a five year recall interval using relatively low technology equipment. In addition, the cervical screening programme is based on the principle of women having a choice of smear-taker. Phase one of the National Cervical Screening Programme was launched in the Mid-Western Health Board on 16 October 2000. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered to approximately 67,000 women, free of charge, at five-year intervals in the Mid-Western Health Board area. Under the National Health Strategy a commitment has been given to the full extension of both the cervical screening and BreastCheck programmes to the rest of the country.

Bernard Allen

Question:

291 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national BreastCheck programme will be extended to the Southern Health Board area, in view of the fact that it is now two years since the pilot project was initiated. [10041/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in March 2000 with phase one of the programme covering the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Midland Health Board and North-Eastern Health Board. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in those areas in the target age group of 50 to 64 years. It is expected that phase one of the programme will be completed by December 2002. To date over 50,000 women have been called for screening and over 34,000 women have been screened. This represents an uptake of 70%.

It is essential that the programme is driven by international quality assurance and best practice and the experience gained in phase one will facilitate the process of planning and organising the roll-out of the programme nationwide. BreastCheck is currently in discussion with health boards, including the Southern Health Board, concerning expansion of the programme nationwide. My Department will continue to support BreastCheck in moving to nationwide coverage as soon as possible.