Ivana Bacik
Ceist:491. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend BreastCheck screening to younger age cohorts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24054/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 May 2024
Ceisteanna (491)
Freagraí scríofa
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service. They enable early treatment and care for many people and improve the overall health of our population.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular periods to have a routine mammogram. Under commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck eligibility has been expanded to women aged 69 years since 2021.
I would highlight that any decisions about further changes in cancer screening, including further extension of the age ranges, will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
Regarding proposals for the expansion of breast cancer screening. NSAC previously submitted a request to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to consider the evidence for a further expansion of the age range eligibility for the BreastCheck programme, in addition to considering the issue of breast density where it relates to screening.
Health technology assessment (HTA) helps to prioritise these decisions around screening programmes. HTA is the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. It involves a multidisciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. It is a time intensive and rigorous process. The HTA to examine the expansion of BreastCheck is not one of the prioritised evidence reviews being currently worked on by HIQA.
Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their General Practitioner (GP) immediately.