Robert Molloy
Ceist:51 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health the breast cancer screening programme which has been undertaken in County Galway; the results of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9903/95]
Written Answers. - Breast Cancer Screening Programme.
Limerick East): There is currently no breast cancer screening programme in County Galway. However, mammography is used as a diagnostic tool for symptomatic women and there is a dedicated breast clinic at University College Hospital, Galway. In 1994, the clinic carried out mammograms on 1,198 women.
The Department is supporting a major breast screening programme being undertaken at the Mater Foundation. The Government of Renewal programme contains a commitment to expand the Eccles Street Breast Cancer Programme on a phased basis to cover those women in the high risk group nationwide. This programme is one of a network of pilot schemes on breast cancer being carried out in the European Union.
The programme's second round of screening has recently been completed and a report on the findings of the programme has been submitted to the Department recently. This report is currently being assessed and evaluated in the Department and I hope to be in a position to announce a decision on the expansion of the programme shortly.