Phil Hogan
Ceist:96 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government will provide immediate funding for the vital roll out of BreastCheck and cervical screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19601/02]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
As the Deputy is aware, BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in March 2000 with phase one of the programme covering the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Midland Health Board and North Eastern Health Board areas. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in those areas in the target age group 50 to 64 years of age. The target population consists of approximately 136,000 women and it represents about 50% of the national target population. To the end of August this year, 91,906 women had been called for screening and 68,184 women have been screened, representing an uptake of 74%. I understand that BreastCheck is on target to complete phase one of the programme by December 2002.
The decision to proceed on a phased basis is a reflection of the complexities involved in the screening process and it is essential that the programme is driven by international quality assurance criteria and best practice. The board of BreastCheck has recently submitted a business plan to my Department for the national expansion of the programme. My Department is currently discussing the plan with BreastCheck and especially the linkages with the existing symptomatic breast disease services. I am committed to the national extension of BreastCheck and a decision in relation to this will be considered in the context of the overall investment programme for cancer services for 2003.
As the Deputy is aware, any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area. Phase one of the national cervical screening programme is in operation in the Mid-Western Health Board since October 2000. Under the national health strategy, a commitment has been given to the full extension of the cervical screening programme to the rest of the country. The experience gained from phase one should be of assistance in the context of implementing this commitment.
The process of planning and organising the national programme is a major undertaking with significant logistical and resource implications that requires careful consideration. Accordingly, following discussions with my Department on the matter, the chief executive officers of the health boards initiated an examination of the feasibility and implications of a roll out of the national programme. I understand the chief executive officers will be reporting on the outcome of the examination soon.