BreastCheck resumes for Leitrim women next week

BreastCheck screening for women from Leitrim and surrounding areas recommences next Monday, February 7 in Sligo Town.
Some women may find they have been delayed by almost two years for their screening.

The Leitrim Observer spoke to one woman who had last been screened in 2018, she was due to be screened again in 2020 but is still waiting on an appointment in 2022.
BreastCheck was paused for several months at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, and again between January and March 2021, in order to “protect participants and staff by complying with social distancing guidelines.”

Women who had symptoms or concerns about their breasts were provided an urgent service, it is those who have had no issue and were awaiting a scheduled appointment who were affected by the delays.
The screening service is for women who do not have symptoms and who are between the age range of 50-69 years.
The Leitrim screening clinic will be held in a mobile unit in Sligo Town, women from Sligo are currently being screened at a mobile unit at Sligo Rovers Football Club and Cavan women are being screened in a mobile unit on the grounds of Cavan General Hospital.

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BreastCheck told the Leitrim Observer when contact that they “do not keep waiting lists” but “have restarted women on their screening journey since recommencing screening in October 2020.”
The service has also had issues with staff recruitment in radiography and radiology. In breast screening, it takes up to 15 years to train a radiologist and 10 years to train a radiographer.

BreastCheck has funded a new text message appointment system to “maximise uptake.” It has a 15 to 20% non-attendance rate in some areas, it also says it had upgraded and funded new mobile units for screenings.
If you have not been called for your first appointment or you are due another screening you can call the Freephone information line on 1800 45 45 55, email info@breastcheck.ie or contact the clinic directly.

Otherwise it is important that all women are breast aware and know to contact their GP if they notice any change in their breasts.

Symptoms of breast cancer can include:

m A lump in either breast
m Discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
m A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
m A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
m  Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
m  A rash on or around your nipple
m  A change in the appearance of your nipple

You can see pictures and videos to help you aware of changes in your breasts at www.breastcheck.ie. If you have a concern contact your GP immediately.

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