Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. October is breast cancer awareness month, which is why I want to highlight this important matter. The importance of investing in the facilitation of breast cancer, BRCA, gene testing and the consequential support for those who receive a positive result is an issue that not only affects individuals but also entire families. We must strive to empower women and men to prioritise their health and well-being, and support them on what can be an incredibly difficult journey.

The BRCA gene is known as the breast cancer susceptibility gene and it has been one of the most significant discoveries in modern times. It facilitates people to identify the gene and helps to determine a person's susceptibility to breast or ovarian cancer, enabling earlier intervention and potentially life-saving measures. However, despite the potential, many individuals are unaware of their genetic disposition, exposing them to unnecessary risks. The Government, the State and the HSE must promote and facilitate further BRCA gene testing, which will empower individuals to take control of their health. By providing accessible testing options, we can encourage people to understand their genetic make-up and make informed decisions regarding their future. Knowledge is power and, in this case, the power lies in a person understanding the potential risk and taking proactive steps to address it.

For those who receive a positive BRCA gene result, the journey does not end with that diagnosis. Rather, it is the beginning of a new chapter. It is our duty to provide the necessary care, guidance and support for individuals to make those decisions about elective surgeries and subsequent care, which includes mastectomies, oophorectomies and the associated reconstructive procedures.

There is a huge cost barrier for someone trying to get a BRCA gene test. I have heard of individuals paying €1,300, another paid €500 plus €300 for a consultant, and another lady I know paid a private hospital €1,400. To get that knowledge and to be able to take control of their own health is costing people. This means only wealthy people can empower themselves by getting this test, or perhaps those who can get a loan for €1,400.

There is a waiting list of up to two years or potentially longer to get a test if someone is considered by a consultant to be in a high-risk category. That is two years on a public waiting list to even know whether they are at risk and whether they are potentially a ticking time bomb, but they do not know whether they have the BRCA gene during that time. We know the BRCA gene test will prevent people from getting sick. I have lost two aunts to breast cancer. It is so important. It is curable yet we are not getting to people quickly enough. We have potentially thousands of people walking around with a BRCA gene and we are not supporting them to get tested. I would like to see huge investment in our public waiting lists in this regard, with support from GPs right up to consultants in hospitals like St. James's and the Mater. This will support women, families and men, and given that men can often develop breast cancer through the BRCA1 gene, it is important for both men and women.

I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response. It is a very important issue and important that we highlight it in October, which is breast cancer awareness month.