Breast cancer awareness campaigners in Clare say the backlog for screening caused by COVID-19 may cost lives.
Concerns have been raised about the potential to miss diagnoses due to a decision to extend the invitation period for a mammogram.
Breast cancer screening resumed on Tuesday, with over 150,000 women across the country, including here in Clare, now waiting for a mammogram due to delays caused by the pandemic.
The HSE, which runs Breast Check, has confirmed that it could take up to three years to see all of those women who are currently on the waiting list.
The decision has now been made to extend the invitation for a scan from once every two years – after a woman reaches 50 – to once every three years.
Tulla-based Oncology Nurse and Slainte an Chlair worker Anne Murphy, says an appointment now takes far longer than it did before the onset of COVID-19.
One Clare-based breast cancer survivor says her GP’s decision to send her for an early mammogram saved her life.
Liz Constantinescu, who’s living in Ennis, was referred for a scan two years after she gave birth, despite not being of the required age at the time.
A stage two turmour was subsequently discovered on her breast and she’s now made a full recovery.
Liz believes she would not have lasted three years if she was facing the same wait many women now are for a mammogram.
The HSE has said it will prioritise women who have waited longest for breast screening, and has invited all women invited for a scan to continue to attend their appointments.
