The Irish Independent's View: BreastCheck figures highlight further failures in women's health

"Ms Phelan's heroic struggle, and those of other women, raised awareness of the critical importance of cancer care with their superhuman courage. They put a spotlight on why our health service needs every resource available to deliver the best outcomes. They touched the hearts of the whole country. We felt these women instilled a new intention and resolve to make things better for people. The expectation was that standards across the service would improve."

"So news that Health Service Executive's (HSE)' BreastCheck national screening service has missed its targets for two years in a row, comes as a blow. Where early detection is so vital, any divergence from the path of progress would be troubling. But that the target was missed by 60,000 is a cause of real concern. The figures were revealed by Aontú's Peadar Tóibín. He warned that this is a life-saving service, and feared that failure to meet targets will have tragic consequences."

"The pandemic did not help. But recruitment embargoes in 2023/24 were also a setback. Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: "Early treatment dramatically reduces your risk of dying from cancer. A person's chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at Stage 1 than at Stage 4." So, the absolute need for adequate staff and resources ought to be non-negotiable."

Ms Phelan and other women's struggles raised public awareness of the critical importance of cancer care and the need for every available health service resource. Expectations built for improved standards across treatment and investigative procedures, with any backsliding deemed unacceptable. HSE's BreastCheck missed screening targets for two consecutive years, falling short by 60,000, with figures revealed by Aontú's Peadar Tóibín and warnings about tragic consequences. The HSE cites a worldwide radiographer shortage and pandemic impacts, compounded by 2023/24 recruitment embargoes. The Irish Cancer Society urges urgent investment in staff, buildings and equipment to meet targets and save lives.

Read at Irish Independent