Gino Kenny urges review of breast cancer screening age
Gino Kenny urged the government to review the age threshold for breast cancer screening, proposing it be lowered from 50 to between 45 and 40. He cited international evidence and requested a formal review to assess whether earlier screening would improve detection and save lives.
Request to lower screening age
Gino Kenny asked the government to review breast cancer screening to bring the eligible age down from 50 to between 45 and 40, arguing earlier screening could improve detection and outcomes.
Evidence cited
He referenced breast cancer awareness month and international data, saying that when Sweden lowered screening to 40 it saved hundreds of lives, using that example to underline the potential benefits of earlier screening.
Minister's response
A government representative acknowledged the vital role of screening programmes, said accurate information is required before changing policy and confirmed the minister would provide the deputy with a more detailed answer.
Screening programmes and COVID context
The government representative highlighted efforts to restore screening programmes after the disruptions of COVID and encouraged people to respond to invitations for screening and check-ups, stressing the programmes' importance for early detection.
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I know this is not your idea, but I think it is very important to raise this in this chamber. Last month was breast cancer awareness month. We had statements two weeks ago in relation to breast cancer and the prevalence of breast cancer. One of the main elements coming from the debate was about screening. At the moment the screening for women is 50 and beyond. But there is growing evidence across the world that the lowering of the age of breast cancer screening to 40 would save lives and make better detections. Even in Sweden when they lowered it down to 40 it saved hundreds of lives. So what I am asking you Minister is will this government review breast cancer screening to bring it down from the age of 50 to lower down the age between 45 and 40? Thank you. Thank you Deputy. I am really aware of the importance of our screening programmes and the vital role that they play in the detection and in the treatment of diseases that can be life altering and indeed life threatening. It is why in the aftermath of the darkest periods of COVID the government was so determined to try to get our screening programmes operational again to encourage all who have concerns to visit them and to respond back to the invitations for screening and for check-ups. In relation to the very specific point that you have raised with me Deputy I am not going to do the seriousness of your matter a disservice by looking to deal with a specific question here without having accurate information in front of me. I am sure Minister Donnelly is aware of it and I will ensure that the Minister comes back to you Deputy with a more detailed answer than I am in a position to give. I agree with you regarding the huge importance of this programme.
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