Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Seán Crowe

Question:

21 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children when phase two of BreastCheck is due to commence; if the expansion of BreastCheck will be adversely affected by cuts in the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22811/02]

Willie Penrose

Question:

26 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of health board areas in the country where the BreastCheck screening service is now available; the number where it is not available; the proportions of the population to whom it is available; when it is intended to extend it to the full country, especially having regard to the findings contained in the report of the Women's Health Council of 11 September 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22909/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 26 together.

As the Deputies are aware, 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 areas. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in those areas in the target age group 50 to 64 years of age. The target population consists of approximately 136,000 women and it represents about 50% of the national target population. BreastCheck is on target to complete phase one of the programme by December 2002. To end August 2002, 91,906 women had been called for screening and 68,184 women have been screened, representing an uptake of 74%.

The decision to proceed on a phased basis is a reflection of the complexities involved in the screening process and it is essential that the programme is driven by international quality assurance criteria and best practice. The board of BreastCheck recently submitted a business plan to my Department for the national expansion of the programme. My Department is in discussions with the executive of BreastCheck in relation to the expansion of the programme and especially the linkages with the existing symptomatic services. I have invested substantially in the development of symptomatic breast services and further development is required.

I am committed to the national extension of BreastCheck and a decision in relation to this issue will be considered in the context of the overall investment programme for cancer services for 2003. Any woman, irrespective of her age or residence, who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.