BreastCheck Misses Screening Targets for Third Consecutive Year

Ireland’s national breast cancer screening program, BreastCheck, failed to meet its mammogram targets in 2025, screening 46,000 fewer women than planned. This marks the third year in a row the program has fallen short of its goals, raising concerns about early cancer detection rates.

Screening Numbers and Targets

In 2025, BreastCheck screened 173,000 women, the highest number in the program’s 25-year history. However, this figure remains significantly below the intended target of 219,000. RTÉ News reports the shortfall.

Previous years also saw missed targets:

• 2024: 137,134 checks performed against a target of 195,000
• 2023: 166,532 checks performed against a target of 185,000

BreastCheck Eligibility and Goals

BreastCheck offers free routine mammograms every two years to women aged 50 to 69. The program aims to detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage, improving treatment outcomes. The HSE states that early detection significantly increases the chances of recovery.

Approximately 3,500 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in Ireland annually.

Appointment Attendance Rates

A significant challenge facing BreastCheck is low appointment attendance. Over 40% of women initially invited for screening do not attend, and over 30% miss subsequent appointments. This contributes to the program’s inability to meet its targets.

Calls for Increased Attendance and Age Reduction

Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Affairs with the Irish Cancer Society, urged women to attend or reschedule their appointments, emphasizing the high survival rates associated with early detection. “If you are diagnosed with a breast cancer at stage one, the chances of survival are 99%,” she stated in an interview with RTÉ’s News at One.

The Irish Cancer Society is also advocating for a reduction in the screening age from 50 to 45 to improve early detection in younger women. However, Ms. Nolan highlighted the need for increased resources to support such a change.

Future Demand and Program Review

The HSE anticipates a 40% increase in demand for BreastCheck services by 2029, with the eligible population rising from 500,000 to 700,000 women. A long-term strategy is being implemented to address this growth, including infrastructure upgrades, increased staffing, and the adoption of new technologies.

Emerging Technologies in Breast Cancer Detection

While BreastCheck focuses on mammography for women aged 50-69, research into new technologies is ongoing. RTÉ Lifestyle reports on developments such as at-home screening options and breath tests that could potentially improve early detection rates and access to screening.