Urban bias 'cannot dictate' cancer screening provision

RURAL WOMEN are no less deserving of cancer screening than their urban counterparts, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

The chief executive of the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS), Tony O'Brien, was addressing the Joint Committee on Health and Children.

Mr O'Brien said when Croom, Co Limerick was announced as a BreastCheck location, he was contacted by people who said the screening should begin in the city.

"Women who live in cities or villages have an equal right to BreastCheck. We can't allow an urban mentality to dictate," he said.

Mr O'Brien said advance schedules of locations for upcoming BreastCheck were not published in case women with possible breast cancer symptoms put off attending their GPs.

"People present saying, 'I had this concern at Christmas but I didn't attend because I knew you were coming.' "

Mr O'Brien said a lack of qualified radiographers was a big challenge, particularly in the northwest. "That challenge is being overcome as we speak," he said.

BreastCheck remained on schedule for the introduction of the programme to all women. Preparations were currently under way to complete expansion into the west and south.

"BreastCheck will not compromise on [its] quality remit to satisfy any political or public demand for the introduction of the service. Our screening schedules are dictated by operational considerations alone," he said.