Figures show 'simply unacceptable rate of BreastCheck screening completions, says Cork senator 

A Cork senator has issued a plea for improved BreastCheck screening services as new figures have highlighted a “simply unacceptable” rate in completions.

Sinn Féin Cork North-West senator Nicole Ryan has called on the HSE to deliver an improved BreastCheck programme as the agency has failed to meet its targets for the past two years.

According to figures released in response to a parliamentary question, the HSE screened 137,134 women in 2024, failing to reach its target of 195,000. In 2023, it screened just more than 166,000 women, falling short of a 185,000 target.

Crucial

Ms Ryan highlighted how “reliable, timely screening services are absolutely crucial to detect breast cancer early”.

She said: “These figures are simply unacceptable. Every missed screening is a missed opportunity for early intervention, which can be lifesaving. 

"The shortfall cannot be simply passed off as a statistical anomaly. While covid undoubtedly disrupted services, most starkly in 2020 when screening dropped to just over 56,000, there is no longer an excuse.

“We need immediate action from the HSE and minister for health to restore and expand capacity, ensure transparency around progress, and put in place a clear catch-up strategy for the thousands of women who have been left waiting.”

Ms Ryan said it is also “vitally important” that public awareness campaigns are renewed to ensure women aged between 50 and 69 know when and how they can access screening.

“This isn’t about meeting statistics, it’s about saving lives — breast cancer affects nearly 3,500 women in Ireland each year,” she added.

First line of defence

“Effective screening programmes are our first line of defence. Anything short of meeting our targets is a failure to our people. The minister and the HSE must now bring forward a comprehensive plan.”

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said the figures are “just the latest indicators and pieces of data that show cancer care is in need of urgent investment”.

“There is no doubt these missed screening targets will result in some women having their breast cancer detected later than it should have been,” said Ms Power.

“Last year, one in four women referred by their GP with possible breast cancer symptoms weren’t seen to on time for their breast clinic appointment.

“According to the latest available data, one in three women didn’t get their breast cancer surgery on time. These delays are not only causing huge anxiety for people with cancer, but they are also putting lives at risk. That will only change if the Government urgently invests in more people, buildings, and equipment.”