The recently published BreastCheck Programme report for 2009 -2010 provides us with encouraging statistics. During the period covered BreastCheck screened 121,160 women between the ages of 50 and 64, detecting 845 breast cancers. 75.7% of women invited for screening accepted their invitation, well above the target of 70% and very good by international standards.
The recently published BreastCheck Programme report for 2009 -2010 provides us with encouraging statistics. During the period covered BreastCheck screened 121,160 women between the ages of 50 and 64, detecting 845 breast cancers. 75.7% of women invited for screening accepted their invitation, well above the target of 70% and very good by international standards.
This is a credit to BreastCheck's promotional efforts. Judging from feedback our EDI leaflet – 9 things you should know about breast cancer – has also increased awareness among women of the importance of taking up screening invitations.
Further good news is that the national expansion is almost complete and that in accordance with the National Cancer Control Strategy and the European Commission's recommendation, BreastCheck plans to extend the screening age to 69.
The bad news is that current resources will not allow for the fulfilment of this plan. EDI will continue to campaign for resources to be made available and will make it an issue in the forthcoming election. It is not acceptable given that the risk for women gets higher as they get older – a risk of 1 in 13 for women aged 65 to 69, for example.
For information on current screening locations and on how to ensure you are on the BreastCheck register see www.breastcheck.ie . You will also find the 2009-2010 report on the website.