BreastCheck funds challenge
As you so rightly say in your editorial (Irish Examiner, February 3), screening is the most effective method of early detection for breast cancer and significantly improves mortality rates.
The all-Ireland report on cancer statistics 1998-2000 demonstrated a significant decline in death rates from breast cancer in Northern Ireland, while death rates in the Republic remain constant. The difference is at least partially attributable to the fact that Northern Ireland has had a screening programme since 1993.
Not only does early diagnosis result in lower mortality, it also means that diagnosis will happen at a stage requiring less treatment.
This is cost-saving, as well as involving less time off work, less suffering and less disability for women with breast cancer.
We are calling on the Minister for Finance, Mr Cowen, to release the 20 million capital funding promised for the roll-out of the BreastCheck programme.
We are also calling on the minister to ensure that funding will be available for the operation of the programme in time to allow BreastCheck to start recruiting senior personnel one year before the start of its operations in Cork and Galway.
After many delays it would be totally unacceptable for the roll-out to take place any later than 2007.
We wish to see screening extended to all women up to the age of at least 69, as recommended by the European parliament resolution on breast cancer (2003), the third edition of the European code against cancer (2003) and the European commission recommendation, also issued in 2003 and adopted by the council of ministers (including Micheál Martin, Minister for Health at the time).
To delay this extension further will result in the loss of a significant number of lives and we would like to see it happen in conjunction with the roll-out to the south and west. Younger women who are at high risk because of family factors should have access to regular and appropriate investigation.
Women also need to be made aware that those outside the age range covered by screening may develop breast cancer and we would like to see an information campaign in this regard.
Europa Donna Ireland asks your readers to lobby their public representatives on this important issue.
Deirdre O'Connell
Chair
Europa Donna Ireland The Irish Breast
Cancer Campaign
PO Box 6602
Dublin 8.
