Laois County Council is to write to the Minister for Health to request that mammogram screening be extended to those over the age of 70.
This came following a motion from Fianna Fáil Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald who spoke about the current Mammogram Screening Programme.
Breast screening helps find cancer at an early stage. If it’s found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery.
Breast screening involves having a mammogram of your breasts. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to find breast cancer when it’s too small to see or feel.
Breast screening takes place at a BreastCheck clinic or a mobile screening unit.
Currently, those aged 50 to 69 are offered a free scan every two years but after that, women must pay to get it.
And according to Councillor Fitzgerald, the stats simply do not back up the decision to suspend the free service to those over 70.
“The screening has been proven to lower the number of women dying from cancer,” Cllr Fitzgerald said.
“The current program offers all women between the ages of 50 and 69 a mammogram, free of charge, every two years.
“Unfortunately, however, the risk of breast cancer increases with age, and about one third of female breast cancers are diagnosed in patients over 70 years.
“Cancer in the elderly has poor outcomes with a lower survival rate compared to young people.
“This may be partly explained because of the delay in diagnosis and undertreatment of elderly breast cancer patients.
“In my opinion, it’s vital that the screening continue for women over 70.
“Statistics are there, it doesn’t make sense, it’s not fair, and it would save an awful lot of worry and anxiety just to continue the program.”
Cllr Fitzgerald was supported across the benches from Independent Independent Cllr Aisling Moran.
It was unanimously agreed that a letter calling for this would be sent to Minister Stephen Donnelly.
SEE ALSO – Local County Councillor calls for Hackney Pilot Scheme to be introduced in Laois
