Labour to push for extension of breast-screening
The Labour Party is planning a campaign to force the Government into extending the availability of breast-screening services in Ireland.
A recent study by the cancer registries on both sides of the border found that death rates from breast cancer fell by 20% in the North between 1994 and 2000, while remaining static in the Republic.
The improved availability of screening services in the North was highlighted as the main reason for the reduction.
Labour spokesperson Liz McManus said the Government should respond to the study by extending the Breastcheck programme, especially in the south and west of the country, where screening services are unavailable.
“A 20% reduction is achievable in the death rate from breast cancer if screening is universally available,” she said.
“We want to ensure that women across the country are given that protection and the Labour Party is determined the pursue the Minister for Health to live up to the broken promises in relation to breast cancer screening.”
