Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2012
662. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the basis on which a decision has been made to stop the breast check programme for those aged 64 years of age and over; if he will explain the reason this is not being made available to women of this age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56970/12]
View answerThe BreastCheck Programme became available in all counties at the end of 2009. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), in its report "The evaluation of the use of resources in the national population-based cancer screening programmes and associated services" in 2009, noted that, based on a literature review, the age range and screening interval adopted by the BreastCheck Programme in Ireland appeared to be consistent with the international evidence base. However, in keeping with the recommendations of the EU Advisory Committee on Cancer Prevention, HIQA also noted that it would be appropriate to extend the age range to 69 years. The Programme for Government includes the extension of BreastCheck to women in the 65-69 age group, in keeping with these recommendations.
The main priority for the HSE's National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) at present is to maximise national uptake in the 50-64 year age cohort. The extension of the BreastCheck programme has been listed as a priority in the HSE's 3 year Corporate Plan (2012 -2015). The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme is examining how it can extend the programme to 65-69 year olds. A review of the BreastCheck screening process, commissioned this year by my Department from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in UCC and the Centre for Health Policy and Management in Trinity College, has just been submitted to my officials. This review will help to inform how greater efficiencies may be achieved within the Programme in order to extend the age range at the earliest date. The Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service estimates that this will be in 2014.
In the meantime women of any age who have concerns about breast cancer should seek the advice of their GP who will, if appropriate, refer them to the symptomatic breast services in one of the eight designated specialist cancer centres.
