Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator MacSharry for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to update the House. I am taking this debate on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, who apologises for unfortunately not being able to attend.

The symptomatic breast clinic in Galway forms part of a range of services that is in place for women with breast symptoms. Referrals are dealt with in accordance with the guidelines that have been developed by the national cancer control programme, NCCP. Most women experience breast pain at some stage. While this can cause worry, it is found that, in the absence of other symptoms, breast pain is rarely indicative of breast cancer. The NCCP, in collaboration with the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP, developed a booklet to support women with breast pain. It explains the types of breast pain, their possible causes and how pain might be easily remedied. It contains a three-month diary to help determine whether the pain is cyclical, as this information can help with prevention and care. This approach is evidence-based and regarded as good practice. The booklet highlights the importance of making a specialist referral if other symptoms are present.

General Practitioners, GPs, have also been provided with a guideline for managing breast pain in primary care centres. This guideline contains the same advice as that in the patient booklet. Where the patient's clinical examination is normal, she is asked to follow the advice in the booklet for three months. If, after that time, the pain has not been resolved, a referral is warranted. All referrals to the symptomatic breast clinics in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Letterkenny are triaged on receipt and appointments are then offered.

Breast cancer survival rates have increased significantly in recent years due to a combined approach of screening, symptomatic detection and improved treatment. Breast cancer five-year survival is estimated at 81% for women diagnosed between 2006 and 2011, representing an increase from 72% for those diagnosed between 1994 and 1999.

Last November, the Minister announced the extension of BreastCheck to the 65-69 year age group in keeping with EU guidelines. I am pleased to confirm that the first invitations have issued and the screening of 500 women in that cohort will take place this year. Earlier this year, the Minister launched the national clinical guidelines on the diagnosis, staging and treatment of patients with breast cancer. Clinical effectiveness is fundamental to our health service. Implementing good quality clinical guidelines and audits can improve health outcomes for patients, reduce variations in practice and improve the quality of clinical decisions.

The Minister has asked me to assure the Senator that all women with breast symptoms are welcome at specialist breast services, including those with persistent and troublesome breast pain as outlined in the guidelines.