Written answers

Thursday, 20 October 2011

Department of Health

Cancer Screening Programme

5:00 pm

Photo of Robert DowdsRobert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Health the research or evidence upon which the decision not to roll out the BreastCheck service to women over 65 years, as planned in the national breast screening programme, was based; if he has taken into account the concern of Active Retirement Ireland about the non-rollout of the NBSP to women aged over 65 years; the reason the programme has not been expanded yet; and when the programme will be expanded to include women over 65 years. [30629/11]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government provides for the extension of the BreastCheck programme to women aged 65-69 years in accordance with the European Council's recommendation (2003/878/EC). In addition, the extension of the BreastCheck programme has been listed as a priority in the HSE's 3 year Corporate Plan. At present BreastCheck is available nationwide to women in the 50-64 age group. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme is examining how it can extend the programme to 65-69 year olds.

Women of any age who have concerns about breast cancer should seek the advice of their GP who will, if appropriate, refer them to the symptomatic breast services in one of the eight designated specialist cancer centres.

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