Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 388: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a healthcare unit (details supplied) in County Kerry as soon as a new service is extended to the Southern Health Board area; the consequences the extension of the service will have for the healthcare unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23560/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The national roll-out of BreastCheck to the western and southern regions is a key priority in the development of cancer services. Women in the age group 50 to 64 years will be invited for screening. As regards the southern region, the designated clinical unit at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital with its three associated mobile units will provide services for women in counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary south. It is anticipated that approximately 26 women in this age group in County Kerry will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the first round of screening and approximately 12 in the second round.

BreastCheck will arrange for the treatment of such women at the designated clinical unit. Women also have the option of a referral to a regional designated centre that treats women with symptomatic breast disease. Women outside of this age cohort who are diagnosed with breast cancer will continue to be referred to such centres.