asked the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given to the setting up of a national screening programme to detect breast cancer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Breast Cancer Detection.
19.
This matter has been under consideration in my Department and studies are at present being carried out at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, in co-operation with St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin, to consider methods for the early detection of breast cancer. A study of this kind is also being carried out at St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park. When the results of these studies are available I will have the position regarding the establishment of a national screening programme examined having regard to these and other studies.
Is the Minister aware that the setting up of a pilot scheme is being considered in Britain, that such schemes exist in other countries, and would he agree there is great need to educate the public on the desirability of early notification of breast cancer, that it is curable if detected in the early stages?
I am glad to avail of this opportunity to emphasise what the Deputy has said, that it is important that as many people as possible would participate in some form of test. The problem is that it is difficult to decide on the best screening procedure. They have not come to any decision on that in Britain. This is not like providing a mass X-ray system; it is much more complicated and there is the problem of whether the setting up of a pilot scheme is the best basis on which to work.
Is this not an area for greater public health education, on the focusing of more attention on the advantages to be gained from early tests? I am sure the Minister knows that there is some kind of misplaced reticence preventing people from coming forward and that therefore a national advertising campaign is required.
I agree.
Will the Minister consider embarking on such a campaign?
Yes. The Deputy will know that unfortunately many people are prevented from taking tests because some unjustified fear of what they might find. We all know of such human feelings. However, I undertake to give consideration to publicising the desirability of having these tests.