Almost 40% of Women Miss First Breast Screening Appointment as HSE Issues Gorey Appeal

Women aged 50 to 69 in Gorey are being urged to take advantage of free breast screening appointments, as the HSE highlights the importance of early detection during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

BreastCheck's mobile screening unit is currently located at Gorey Health Centre, Gorey District Hospital, where eligible women in the area are being invited to attend mammograms.

The HSE has revealed that almost 40% of women do not attend their first breast screening appointment, while 30% fail to attend when offered a second appointment.

Health officials are encouraging women who cannot make their allocated appointment to contact BreastCheck rather than simply not attending.

BreastCheck Programme Manager Gráinne Gleeson says alternative dates and locations can be arranged.

"We can provide options to women who can't make their appointment. These include rescheduling and offering screening in another unit."

She said cancelling or rearranging appointments also allows the service to offer screening to other women sooner.

"If you choose not to have screening, please let us know you don't need your appointment. When you contact us to reschedule or cancel, it means we can screen more women, more quickly and move on to the next area."

The HSE says breast cancers detected through routine screening are more likely to be found at an earlier stage, when treatment is generally more effective.

BreastCheck's mobile unit will remain at Gorey Health Centre until all eligible women in the area who are registered with the service have been invited for screening.

Women who have never attended BreastCheck are encouraged to check or update their details on the online register. Details can be added from the age of 48, although routine screening invitations begin at 50.

Appointments can also be viewed and managed through the HSE Health App.

How to contact BreastCheck

• Location: Gorey Health Centre, Gorey District Hospital, Gorey, Y25 N5K6

• Freephone: 1800 45 45 55

• Email: info@breastcheck.ie

• Website: hse.ie/breastcheck

BreastCheck is a free screening programme for women aged 50 to 69 who have no symptoms of breast cancer.

Women who notice a new breast lump, changes in breast shape, nipple discharge or other unusual breast symptoms should contact their GP rather than wait for a routine screening appointment.