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Health Screening Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Ceisteanna (1017, 1018, 1019)

John Lahart

Ceist:

1017. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the breast screening process to those under and over 50 to 69 years of age profile (details supplied); and the reason they have been excluded. [21861/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Lahart

Ceist:

1018. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the reason 66% of the age group of women that experience breast cancer are excluded from the category of women that are entitled to breast cancer screening. [21862/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Lahart

Ceist:

1019. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if a commitment will be given to review the existing breast cancer screening service provided; and if a plan will be outlined for when all women can be screened regardless of age in view of factors (details supplied). [21863/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1017, 1018 and 1019 together.

I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service.  In this regard and in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck is currently implementing an age-extension project that will see all women aged between 50 to 69 years being invited for routine breast screening.

 It is important to note that population health screening measures, such as breast cancer screening, are not individual diagnostic tests. Screening is for well people who do not have symptoms. Anyone who is worried about symptoms at any time is advised not to wait for screening but to contact their GP immediately, for appropriate follow-up care.

 As with all our national screening programmes, BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for population-based screening programmes, which are kept under constant review.

The balance between the benefits of screening and the potential harms or risks to the population as a whole require careful, evidence-based consideration and balancing.

Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee.  This independent expert group considers the evidence for changes in a robust and transparent manner. The Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly. This ensures policy decisions are informed by the best available evidence and advice.

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