Ireland’s national breast cancer screening program, BreastCheck, has fallen short of its target screening numbers for the third consecutive year, raising concerns about early detection rates and potential impacts on patient outcomes. The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed to RTÉ that 173,000 women were screened in 2025 – the highest number in the program’s 25-year history – but still 46,000 fewer than the intended 219,000. This shortfall underscores ongoing challenges in delivering timely cancer screenings despite increased demand and a growing eligible population.
The missed targets aren’t a new development. In 2024, BreastCheck completed 137,134 mammograms against a goal of 195,000. The year prior, 2023, saw 166,532 screenings performed, falling short of the 185,000 target. These consistent deficits highlight systemic issues within the program, prompting calls for urgent review and investment. Early detection through regular screening is crucial in improving survival rates for breast cancer, a disease that affects approximately 3,500 women in Ireland each year, according to the Irish Cancer Society.
Appointment Attendance: A Significant Hurdle
Whereas capacity and resources are clearly factors, a significant portion of the problem lies in appointment attendance. The HSE reports that over 40% of women initially invited for a BreastCheck mammogram do not attend, and that rate increases to over 30% for subsequent appointments. This non-attendance rate directly impacts the program’s ability to meet its targets and maximize its reach. Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Affairs with the Irish Cancer Society, emphasized the importance of attending screenings, stating that failing to attend the first appointment makes subsequent attendance less likely. “If women are not attending their screening appointment they really need to get in touch with BreastCheck and allow that appointment to be given to somebody else,” she said, speaking to RTÉ’s News at One.
Nolan believes fear of a potential diagnosis is a contributing factor to low attendance. “People may fear that they will identify a cancer but what we say in the Irish Cancer Society is if you are diagnosed with a breast cancer at stage one, the chances of survival are 99%,” she explained. She contrasted this with later-stage diagnoses, which often require more aggressive treatment options like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This underscores the critical role of early detection in improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Growing Demand and Future Planning
The challenges facing BreastCheck are compounded by a projected increase in demand. The number of women eligible for screening is expected to rise from approximately 500,000 in 2019 to 700,000 by 2029. The HSE acknowledges that this 40% growth necessitates a “fundamental review of structure and systems” and has initiated a long-term strategy involving infrastructure upgrades, increased staffing, and the implementation of new technologies. Addressing this growing demand is paramount to maintaining the effectiveness of the program.
The Irish Cancer Society has also renewed its call for a reduction in the screening age from 50 to 45, arguing that earlier detection could significantly improve outcomes for younger women. But, Nolan stressed that any expansion of the program requires careful consideration of resource allocation. “We need to consider the resources that are required if we are going to screen more of the population if the age range is reduced… HIQA are undergoing a review to see if that is possible but really the resources need to be put in place now to undertake that for the future,” she said.
Understanding BreastCheck and Eligibility
BreastCheck currently offers free mammograms every two years to women aged 50 to 69. The program focuses on screening women *without* symptoms of breast cancer, aiming to identify the disease at its earliest, most treatable stages. Mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening, allowing radiologists to detect subtle changes that may indicate the presence of cancer. Women outside of the 50-69 age range are encouraged to be aware of their breast health and consult with their doctor if they notice any changes or have concerns.
The program’s effectiveness relies not only on adequate resources and staffing but also on public awareness and participation. Addressing the barriers to attendance – including fear, logistical challenges, and lack of information – is crucial to maximizing the impact of BreastCheck and improving breast cancer outcomes across Ireland.
The HSE is expected to provide further updates on the implementation of its long-term strategy and the progress towards meeting screening targets in the coming months. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) review regarding the potential reduction of the screening age is also anticipated to inform future policy decisions.
This article provides general health information and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your breast health, please consult with a healthcare professional.
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