I propose to take Questions Nos. 1017, 1018 and 1019 together.
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service. In this regard and in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck is currently implementing an age-extension project that will see all women aged between 50 to 69 years being invited for routine breast screening.
It is important to note that population health screening measures, such as breast cancer screening, are not individual diagnostic tests. Screening is for well people who do not have symptoms. Anyone who is worried about symptoms at any time is advised not to wait for screening but to contact their GP immediately, for appropriate follow-up care.
As with all our national screening programmes, BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for population-based screening programmes, which are kept under constant review.
The balance between the benefits of screening and the potential harms or risks to the population as a whole require careful, evidence-based consideration and balancing.
Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee. This independent expert group considers the evidence for changes in a robust and transparent manner. The Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly. This ensures policy decisions are informed by the best available evidence and advice.