Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Mammography Service.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

100 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his policy on the provision of a mammography service in hospitals throughout the country; if this service will be implemented in the near future; the likely cost of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Mammography is available to women at a number of hospitals throughout the country on referral from their general practitioner. The benefits of screening for breast cancer have yet to be established in this country. At present mammography is used largely as a diagnostic tool for symptomatic or worried women, and, in some cases, for `at risk' women.

Medical opinion is divided on the value of mammography. Before a national breast cancer screening service can be considered it will be necessary to establish whether the results reported from studies in other countries could be achieved in Ireland. Therefore the Deputy will be interested to learn that a three year programme for breast cancer screening in a defined catchment area came into operation last year. 20,000 women will be invited to take part in this multi-disciplinary study which is being carried out by the Mater Foundation in association with other health agencies. The programme is part of a network of pilot schemes on breast cancer screening in the member states of the European Community to enable countries without large scale screening programmes to acquire the necessary experience and to allow for exchange of information and findings.