Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

119. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding mammography; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5039/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

BreastCheck provides cancer screening for women aged 50-64 years. BreastCheck utilises digital mammography as it is the most advanced method available, giving enhanced image quality and significant reductions in the radiation dose associated with screening examinations. The improved images lead to higher detection rates for cancer which is seen as a positive. This facilitates earlier treatment of known cancers. Digital mammography does not play any part in causing these cancers.

The National Cancer Registry (NCR)is the statutory body with responsibility for the collection and analysis of information relating to the incidence of cancer and related tumours in Ireland.

The interval cancer figures referred to were included in a 2012 report from the Registry: 'Breast Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Treatment and Survival in Ireland: 1994-2009'. This data refers to the number of interval cancers diagnosed in the period 2000-2009 for women aged 50-64 screened in the period 2000-2007. It should be noted that BreastCheck did not commence national roll-out until late 2007.

Breast cancer survival in Ireland has improved significantly in recent years due to a combined approach of screening, symptomatic detection and improved treatment. Breast cancer five year survival is estimated at 81% for people diagnosed between 2006-2011, which represents an increase from 72% for the diagnosis between 1994-1999.

Quality assurance processes and measurements are a vital aspect of the BreastCheck programme and their ‘Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Mammography Screening’are consistent with those of the European Reference Organisation for Quality Assured Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services which is the EU standard.

The overall benefits of breast screening are clear. Breast screening helps to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage when it is easier to treat, thus exposing the women involved to less extensive surgical treatment and giving them better chances of good recoveries and improved quality of life.