BREASTCHECK RETURNS TO CO LAOIS & OPEN INFORMATION DAY ON 29 OCTOBER
- 21 October 2009
The National Cancer Screening Service is pleased to confirm that BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme will provide up to 5,500 aged 50-64 living in Laois with their free mammograms (breast x-rays) from the end of October 2009.
In advance of screening, BreastCheck will host an open information stand on the 29 October (10am to 4pm) in Laois Shopping Centre, Portlaoise. BreastCheck staff will provide general information on the BreastCheck service and what women can expect when they go for their free mammogram. All are welcome and BreastCheck hopes any woman with a question or concern about breast screening will visit the stand.
This Government-funded screening service is offered to women aged between 50 and 64 on a two-yearly cycle and BreastCheck urges all invited women to attend their appointment.
Screening will take place at a BreastCheck mobile digital screening unit in the new location of the Cuisle Centre, Block Road, Portlaoise. A BreastCheck mammogram is a simple procedure and an appointment only takes about half an hour in total. The aim of screening is to detect early breast cancer. The vast majority of women screened are found to be perfectly healthy with less than one per cent diagnosed with cancer.
BreastCheck advises all women aged 50-64 living in Laois to make sure their name is on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking online at www.breastcheck.ie.
Mr Tony O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Screening Service, encourages all women contacted by BreastCheck to attend. “It is important that women take this valuable opportunity to look after their health. We also encourage women who have previously availed of this service to encourage those who have not yet attended to take advantage of BreastCheck.”
BreastCheck is the first national screening service provider worldwide to offer a fully digital mammography service. The decision to transfer to full digital mammography was taken following a successful pilot programme that demonstrated significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy.
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