Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health when the BreastCheck programme will be provided to women aged 65-69 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57079/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The main priority for the HSE's National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) at present is to maximise national uptake in the 50-64 year age cohort.The extension of the BreastCheck programme has been listed as a priority in the HSE's 3 year Corporate Plan (2012 -2015).The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme is examining how it can extend the programme to 65-69 year olds. A review of the BreastCheck screening process, commissioned this year by my Department from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in UCC and the Centre for Health Policy and Management in Trinity College,has just been submitted to my officials.This review will help to inform how greater efficiencies may be achieved within the Programme in order to extend the age range at the earliest date. The Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service estimates that this will be in 2014.

In the meantime 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.