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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 7

Written Answers. - Screening for Breast Cancer.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health whether he intends to respond favourably to the most recent submission from the Irish Countrywomen's Association in respect of screening for breast cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I recently met with representatives of the Irish Countrywomen's Association to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and the question of the provision of a national breast screening programme.

As a result of our discussions, the ICA and my Department will be working together to develop a breast cancer awareness programme for women. It has been agreed that a sub-committee of the ICA will work closely with my Department's health promotion unit with a view to conducting a series of seminars/workshops for women on breast cancer. The first meeting between Department officials and the ICA sub-committee has been arranged for Tuesday, 5 July, 1994.

With regard to a national breast screening programme, it was accepted at this meeting that an essential factor in the success of a mammography screening programme is a high and consistent participation rate among the population to be screened. There was general agreement on the need to achieve standards of excellence in both the mammography equipment used and the staff carrying out the technique to ensure that the number of false negative and false positive results is kept to an absolute minimum.

For these reasons, my Department is supporting the Eccles breast screening programme which is now underway at the Mater Foundation. The programme is part of a network of pilot schemes being carried out within the European Union and the second round of screening is expected to be completed by the end of 1994. As indicated in the new health strategy, Shaping a Healthier Future, national policy to be followed in this area will be guided and influenced by the experience gained through the pilot programme.
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