If the past 18 months have taught us anything, it’s that our health truly is our wealth and taking a proactive approach is so important in ensuring we stay healthy and well.
For Irish women, excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer. About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed during their lifetime.
Fortunately, if breast cancer is found early, there's a good chance of recovery. And that is why screening is so important.
BreastCheck is Ireland's national breast screening programme and is free to women aged 50 to 69. While checking your breasts yourself is important for women at every age, for women aged 50 to 69, breast screening is one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer at an early stage - before there are any symptoms.
Regular screening significantly lowers the number of women dying from breast cancer every year. On average, out of every 1,000 women screened for breast cancer in Ireland, seven will be diagnosed. Around one in 25 will be called back for further tests if the initial mammogram was unclear.
Early detection tends to lead to a better outcome and give those who have been diagnosed more treatment options. It's important that anyone who is eligible for a screening attends when invited, even if they feel healthy and can’t see or feel any physical changes.
While breast cancer can occur at any age, research shows that women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk, which is why Irish women aged 50 to 69 are eligible for free breast screening.
Screening is the most effective way to catch breast cancers early but it will not pick up all cancers, all of the time.
Interval cancers can happen in every screening programme. They are unavoidable. But interval cancers are not common.
About two in every thousand women screened may develop an interval cancer – so if you’re worried about any changes to your breasts at any time, contact your GP without delay.
Breast cancer can also occur at any time, so if you do have symptoms, don't wait for your next breast screening appointment. You should contact your GP without delay.
For more information and to check your details on the register, visit hse.ie/breastcheck or Freephone 1800 45 45 55.
