Waterford Councillor calls for expanded BreastCheck access amid 'deeply concerning' figures
BreastCheck services are offered to people aged 50-59.
A Waterford Councillor is calling for expanded access to the national screening programme BreastCheck, amidst a concerning rise in breast cancer diagnoses for people aged under 55.
According to new figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland there has been an increase in breast cancer diagnoses in people aged 20-49, with numbers growing from 677 in 2013 to 853 by the end of 2022.
Labour Councillor Seamus Ryan is advocating for the expansion of screening services in Waterford.
He stated: "These figures are deeply concerning. We know that early detection is the most powerful weapon in the fight against cancer, yet thousands of people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are being diagnosed too late because they do not have access to routine screening.
"BreastCheck currently only invites those aged 50-69 for free screening – this must change. With cases rising, the Government must act now to expand this life-saving service."
The call comes as the Government considers the Health Screening Leave Bill, a bill that aims to give workers leave to attend vital medical screenings.
Cllr Ryan said: "In addition to widening access to screening, we need to remove the barriers preventing workers from attending essential health checks. Labour’s Health Screening Leave Bill, introduced last year, is a common-sense solution that would give workers the right to take time off to attend vital cancer screenings without fear of financial hardship. Right now, too many workers – particularly those in precarious jobs or with inflexible employers – are forced to choose between using holiday leave or missing a critical appointment. That is simply unacceptable."
“Every family in Ireland has been touched by cancer in some way. We cannot afford to wait while people’s lives are at stake. The new Minister for Health must take immediate action to expand BreastCheck to include younger age groups and ensure that workers are supported in prioritising their health. Labour’s Health Screening Leave Bill is ready to go – Government must step up and make this happen.”
