Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
130. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the progress and the plans that are in place in regard to a reduction in the age threshold for breast cancer screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37514/22]
View answerI 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. BreastCheck invite this age category because international evidence shows the incidence and mortality from breast cancer in this age group means it is effective to screen women in this age range.
The National Screening Service (NSS) advises that BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for screening programmes, based on the best international evidence, which they kept under constant review.
Regarding any further changing or lowering the age eligibility for BreastCheck, it is important to note that any 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 that 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.
The Committee's first Annual Call for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes received a significant response. Following submissions received from several sources, including from BreastCheck, the Committee decided to ask HIQA to look at the evidence to extend the age ranges for breast screening. The NSAC intends to publish its full work programme later this year once it has considered all proposals submitted.
It is an important message to remind that 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.
