Breast screening ‘due by 2007’

THE Government insisted last night the breast cancer screening programme will in place nationally by mid-2007 amid accusations the delays were putting hundreds of women’s lives at risk every year.

Appealing for Breast Check to be made available to women as quickly as possible, Labour Party TD Kathleen Lynch demanded an explanation for the delay in the provision of the service in Cork, especially as facilities have been secured.

Pointing out the national rollout of the programme was announced before the general election in 2002, the Cork North-Central TD expressed doubts about the timetable.

Although Breast Check started five years ago, the service is still only available in the Eastern and Midlands regions and Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford in the south-east.

Responding to Ms Lynch’s criticism, Junior Health Minister Tim O’Malley said Tánaiste Mary Harney was committed to the rollout, and the design and commissioning of projects normally takes two-and-a-half years.

“It is anticipated the advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal in the coming weeks and I am confident the target date for the expansion of Breast Check nationally, of mid 2007, will be met,” he said.

According to Mr O’Malley, there has been an additional investment of €76 million for the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer since 1997.

This funding provided for 11 more consultants in the cancer care area, including two surgeons specialising in breast disease, and the appointment of 27 cancer care nurses across the southern area, he said.