Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

The BreastCheck service, which was introduced on a pilot basis in 2000, offered many women the possibility of early diagnosis of breast cancer and, as a result, had the potential to reduce the incidence of mortality due to breast cancer. Cavan-Monaghan was fortunate that the service was rolled out in the north east. Figures released in January 2004 indicate that 10,700 ladies availed of the service in the north east in 2002 and 75% of those notified of an appointment turned up for a breast check. One of the startling facts to emerge was that an abnormality was detected in approximately one in 120 women who availed of the service, requiring them to return for further appointments. This frightening statistic indicates what has been missed in other areas where the programme has not been rolled out.

The Government has failed to deliver the promised national roll-out of the BreastCheck service. It was stated this would require the placing of advertisements in the EU Journal. I understand that once notification is placed in the journal, a further two years are required to roll out and operate infrastructure.

As Deputy Catherine Murphy noted, a recent public awareness campaign featuring television and radio advertisements raised expectations among women that the BreastCheck service was available nationally. On making inquiries, however, they discovered this was not the case, which has caused anxiety. It is possible to have breast cancer for a number of years before detection and by the time it is detected by a general practitioner, it may have progressed too far. It is a medical fact that earlier intervention leads to more successful outcomes. In addition, early detection is more cost effective and significantly improves quality of life, on which we cannot put a price.

The causes of breast cancer are known. Women aged over 50 years are most at risk. Every year, approximately 60,000 women in Europe die of the disease and 150,000 new diagnoses are made. These are frightening figures. It should be possible to fast-track at risk groups such as women from families with a genetic disposition towards breast cancer.

Cervical screening should not be overlooked in this debate. The at risk group for this disease are ladies aged above 60 years, a group which does not, in general, avail of the cervical screening service. Women of child bearing age are more likely to turn up for screening appointments. An interesting statistic from the United States indicates that cervical cancer mortality there has declined by 70% in the past 50 years, largely due to the country's screening programme. In addition, between 5% and 10% of those who fail to turn up for screening appointments account for approximately half the mortality rate due to cervical cancer.

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