BreastCheck screenings increase

The highest number of breast screenings in one year has just been recorded, the annual report from BreastCheck shows.

Some 121,160 women aged 50-64 received mammograms last year, almost double the number of women screened in 2007.

The overall acceptance of invitation to screening was 75.7 per cent, in excess of the programme target of 70 per cent.

Of the 121,160 women screened, 5,600 were re-called for assessment and 845 cancers were detected. This compares with 92, 061 women screened in 2008 and 672 cancers detected, and 66,527 women screened in 2007 and 396 cancers detected.

Tony O'Brien, Director of the National Cancer Screening Service attributed the increase in numbers screened to the extension of BreastCheck to the south and west of the State.

"Over 121,000 women attended a BreastCheck appointment, representing a 32 per cent increase on 2008 and an 82 per cent increase on 2007. I am delighted that we are now offering a fully quality assured breast screening service to all eligible women aged 50-64, regardless of their location."

The uptake of first screening invitation continues to be highest in the youngest age group (50-54) and the majority of women screened for the first time are in this age bracket.

For subsequent invitations (women who have previously been screened by BreastCheck), there is little difference between the age groups, with a high rate of uptake recorded across all groups.

Since BreastCheck began in 2000, some 690,600 mammograms have been provided to 325,700 women and over 4,300 cancers have been detected.