New BreastCheck unit to open in Cork city

Breast Cancer screening.

A third BreastCheck screening unit is set to open on the northside of Cork city to make the service more accessible for people.

The new unit, located in Gurranabraher, is due to open on Monday, January 8.

The location on the grounds of St Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital on Baker's Road will join the existing units on Infirmary Road and at St Finbarr's Hospital on Douglas Road.

BreastCheck Programme Manager Suzanne Lynch said that access is one barrier for those availing of the screening programme and hopes that this new unit will address that issue.

"It is our aim to have as many women as possible choose to come for breast screening. This means addressing as many barriers to screening as we can," said Ms Lynch.

"We know that access can be a barrier and we hope that our new unit on the grounds of St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital will make screening more accessible to women living on the north side of Cork city and county.

"We are grateful to St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital for hosting us."

The national breast screening programme aims to invite those between the ages of 50 and 69 for breast screening every two years.

Those who are eligible will be invited for their appointment at the newly opened unit over the coming months.

The letter will include full details about the appointment, and the address/Eircode of the unit they are to attend.

Last month, Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins, urged the public to prioritise their health and attend their screenings.

Revealing that she had undergone a successful procedure as part of continuing treatment for breast cancer, Ms Higgins said she wanted to ensure that people were aware of the symptoms of breast cancer.

"I have received so many well wishes that it would be difficult for me to thank each person individually, however, I would like each person to know that I have been truly touched by the outpouring of support and goodwill which I have received," Ms Higgins said.

"May I send my deepest thanks to you all and once again remind all women of the importance of being checked for breast cancer, and to particularly emphasise to women over the age of 70 that the risk continues to increase with age so please continue to be checked as regularly as possible."

People aged 50-69 can check that they are on the BreastCheck register by visiting hse.ie/breastcheck