Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
94. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland had the eighth highest incidence rate and fifth highest mortality rate for breast cancer in the European Union in 2020; if he will reduce the age for eligibility for breast screening from 50 to 40 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7945/22]
View answerWhilst the OECD Report ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2020’ estimates that Ireland had the 5th highest mortality rate and 8th highest incidence rate within the EU-27 countries, it is important to be aware while incidence rates have increased in Ireland in the period 1994-2019 (based on data from the National Cancer Registry), this is largely due to a growing and ageing population and the increase in cancers detected through the BreastCheck programme which was rolled out nationally in 2007. Furthermore, due to a combination of screening and treatment improvements, the mortality rate for breast cancer in Ireland has steadily and significantly declined in Ireland over the period 1994-2018. This is also evident in the survival rates for breast cancer, which have increased from 69% in 1994-1999 to 88% for those diagnosed between 2014-2018. Indeed, of the 200,000 estimated cancer survivors in Ireland in 2019, almost a quarter of these were patients with a previous breast cancer diagnosis.
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population. I am pleased to inform that, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck are now implementing the commitment on age-extension so that all women aged between 50 to 69 years are invited for routine breast screening.
Regarding any further changing or lowering the age eligibility for BreastCheck, the National Screening Service (NSS) has advised that BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for screening programmes, based on the best international evidence, which is kept under constant review. In this regard, it is important to be aware, that future decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, including reducing the age range in breast screening, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. It may be of interest to that the NSAC recently held its first 'Annual Call', importantly it gave members of the public and health professionals an opportunity to suggest new screening programmes or modifications to existing ones. I am looking forward to receiving recommendations from the NSAC and will be guided by such to ensure Ireland’s population-based screening programmes continues to evolve in line with new evidence and developments.
It is an important message, screening is for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. It is important that every woman is breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for them so that if any unusual change occurs, they will recognise it. The National Screening Service and BreastCheck have useful information in relation to breast health on their website.
