Marginalised groups struggle to access Breast Screening, Irish Cancer Society warns
Three in ten people invited for BreastCheck not taking part in life-saving screening
Tuesday, 1st October: More must be done to increase the uptake of breast screening, particularly among marginalised communities, the Irish Cancer Society has warned. The charity’s call comes ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and in advance of this year’s Budget.
Screening saves lives. More than 9 in 10 breast cancers detected via screening are caught at Stage 1 or 2. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more treatment options and the better chances of survival. However, the Society remains concerned that Ireland still lags behind best-performing countries when it comes to screening uptake.
Research on equity in screening in Ireland, along with international evidence, shows that marginalised groups, such as those living with physical and intellectual disabilities, people from migrant backgrounds and people who are unemployed, are less likely to take up their screening appointments.
Irish Cancer Society CEO, Averil Power said: “Screening saves lives. We hit the 71% target for breast screening uptake in 2023. The Government and the National Screening Service deserve credit for this. However, the best-performing countries in Europe—Denmark, Sweden, Finland— deliver a breast screening uptake of over 80%. In Ireland, we have made progress, but we must do more. There is no reason we can’t be on par with the best performing countries.”
She added: “Government must prioritise tackling these inequalities and ensure that no-one is left behind. We have also long campaigned for the expansion of breast screening and believe it should be extended to women aged 45-74, as suggested by the EU, and welcome the HIQA review on expansion.”
In November 2023, Wexford native Jennifer Ffrench was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine BreastCheck appointment. She is encouraging women to take up their screening appointments.
Jennifer Ffrench, breast cancer patient said: “My breast cancer was detected through a routine mammogram with BreastCheck. I had no symptoms at all – my diagnosis was a complete surprise. In fact, this is how lucky I am – I rang to postpone my mammogram because my son had an appointment at the exact same time on the same day. I thought, ‘there’s nothing wrong with me, I’ll push the mammogram out a bit.’ But instead, they had a cancellation and brought my appointment forward.”
Jennifer added: “I would just plead with anybody who is thinking of giving their appointment a miss—the way I almost did—to go and get checked. It might just save your life.”
Anyone with questions or concerns about breast cancer, can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie
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Notes to editor
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every month, the Irish Cancer Society is urging women from the age of 18 to get into the habit of regularly checking themselves for possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Carol Spillane, Cancer Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Self-examination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years. Pick a day and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis. It’s really important that we are breast aware and know what is normal for us. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer and the change persists, please go to see your GP as soon as possible. Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life. Your GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and if appropriate, refer you for further assessment.”
The eight key signs and symptoms of breast cancer are listed below:
- A lump, any size, or thickening in your breast or armpit
- A change in size or shape – it may be that one breast has become larger
- A change in the skin of your breast – like puckering or dimpling
- A breast abscess (infected boil) – this may appear as a red, tender area on your breast
- A change in your nipple, like pulled-in, sunken, or flattened nipple
- An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples – the discharge may be blood-stained or watery
- A change on or around the nipple, such as a rash, or flaky or crusted skin
- Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
While 9 in 10 breast changes will turn out not to be breast cancer, it is important to rule it out. For any breast cancer related queries, please contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie.
