Missed BreastCheck targets reveal there is “something radically wrong” with the health service, Aontú has said.
New figures released to the party through a parliamentary question revealed that in 2023 the BreastCheck national screening service carried out 166,532 checks - fewer than its 185,000 target.
However, the figure was higher than the 137,134 checks carried out in 2024.
On Lunchtime Live, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín described the medical checks as “probably the most important tool” in the fight against breast cancer.
“What’s been happening in terms of breast check and cervical checks over the last couple of years, is actually quite shocking,” he said.
“The breast check figures are down by 20% since 2019 - that’s an incredible figure.
“In terms of cervical checks, the figures are down 24% - almost a quarter.”
As we come to the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ciara Kelly gives a refresher on how to perform a breast self-exam, on The Anton Savage Show. pic.twitter.com/jE7wPJIS9r
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) October 30, 2021
According to Cancer Research UK, if breast cancer is caught early, during Stage 1, then almost 100% of patients live five years after diagnosis.
However, if it is caught at Stage 4, then just over a quarter of women are still alive five years later.
It means early detection is vital in order to save lives.
“[Fewer checks are] going to lead to more advanced cancers and, tragically, it may lead to deaths in the future,” Deputy Tóibín said.
“We’re calling for the Government first of all to make sure the necessary resources are in place to be able to deliver these services.
“It’s quite clear as well that COVID played a big role in terms of the change because the figures were higher in both areas before COVID.
“The Government, really questionably, closed these services down during COVID.”
A woman performing a self breast examination. Picture by: Alamy.com.Commenting on the figures, the HSE said there was a global shortage of radiology staff.
"Despite these pressures, we are expanding capacity, recruiting new consultants and radiographers, adding mobile units, upgrading our IT system and using new technology such as text reminders,” a spokesperson said.
Deputy Tóibín described Ireland as “haemorrhaging medical professionals at a fierce rate” and urged the Government to review HSE wages.
“Whether it’s opening up a sweet shop on Main Street, Athlone or whatever, you have to have the proper pay, terms and conditions to be able to compete with the recruitment market that you’re in,” he said.
“This Government can keep throwing its hand in the air and saying, ‘Oh, we can’t keep people in Ireland’... If you want staff to stay, you have to treat them right in terms of conditions and wages.”
Breast screening is offered for free to women, transgender, intersex and non-binary people aged 50 to 69.
You can register for the checks here.
Main image: A woman having a mammography scan. Picture by: Alamy.com.
