BreastCheck funds shortage could lead to loss of lives

THE lives of hundreds of Irish women could be at risk if the Government fails to provide funding for the planned extension of BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, according to cancer support groups.

Only half of the country's female population aged 50-64 the high risk category for breast cancer are currently eligible for the free, two-yearly check-up.

The chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society, Barry Dempsey, said any decision which would prevent the expansion of BreastCheck on a nationwide basis from next year would be "morally and politically wrong".