The expansion of the breast screening programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and the roll-out to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow-up treatment where appropriate.
The expansion of the programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford will result in approximately 18,000 women being invited for breast screening. Screening commenced in Wexford in March last year and BreastCheck has advised my Department that the first round of screening will be completed there shortly. BreastCheck expects to commence screening in County Carlow in April this year and screening will follow in County Kilkenny when the first round of screening in Carlow is completed.
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 region.