Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail)

On 2 April, I tabled a Commencement matter regarding what I believe is a systemic failure in how our healthcare system is responding to young women in their 20s and 30s when they are referred by GPs to breast care clinics with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. We are constantly delivering a clear message to women that they should know their own normal and that early detection saves lives. We promote this through workplace talks, school programmes and public awareness campaigns, a number of which I have personally been involved in. The message has been consistent and clear but it is being completely undermined by a system that is supposed to support these women when they act on the advice they have been given.

In general, in order for a GP to refer a young woman to a breast care clinic, the lump must have been present for eight weeks. Following the referral, it can take up to four months for her appointment to come through. That is potentially six months of waiting from the time when she first detects the lump to when she is sitting in the breast care clinic. Incredibly, after all that, she may be sent away without even a scan. I am not talking about mammograms because they are not the appropriate first step for younger women, but there is no ultrasound either. What is the purpose of these appointments? I cannot understand how a system built around the principle of early detection saving lives functions like this. These women are doing exactly what we are asking of them, being proactive, vigilant, and taking ownership of their health, yet they are often being sent away to wait a further six months for a scan. That is six months more with a lump in their breast. If it is cancerous, it is six months more for it to grow and develop. If it is benign, it is six months living under a cloud of uncertainty and fear. That is unacceptable, but I see it as being easily addressed. Until recently, I really was not aware of the extent to which young women were experiencing this and I consider myself as someone who has their finger on the pulse when it comes to breast cancer. They are being sent home without being scanned despite doing everything right. I find that deeply concerning and I call for urgent action. I request that the Minister come before the House for a full debate on this issue. We need to address the gaps in the breast care pathway for younger women and ensure that our healthcare system is supporting early detection.