BreastCheck breast screening is back in Donegal Town and open for appointments

BreastCheck is back in Donegal Town and is open for appointments.

The service had only been available in Letterkenny in recent times, so its return to Donegal Town is welcome news for those in the south and south-west of the county.

READ NEXT: Spectacular racing and great atmosphere at Donegal Dragons regatta

BreastCheck is the national breast cancer screening service. It is available to women, transgender, intersex and non-binary people who are aged 50 to 69, living in Ireland and with a PPS number.

People can register for the service from the age of 48, and will stay on the screening programme until they are 69. Those who are eligible will usually get called for an appointment within a year or two of reaching their 50th birthday. 

There is currently a backlog in some areas, with the HSE saying that they are aiming to contact everyone by the age of 53. However, anyone who is eligible and wishes to partake of the service in Donegal Town can make an appointment themselves.

The schedule is managed regionally from BreastCheck Galway. Anyone wishing to make an appointment in the Donegal Town facility (located at the Public Services Centre near the Lidl roundabout) can call 091 580600, or use the national Freephone number 1800 45 45 55.

According to the HSE: “Breast screening helps find cancer at an early stage when you are well and have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.

“If breast cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery.”

Those who have previously had breast surgery are advised to continue taking part in the screening programme. This applies to people who have breasts, or part of the breast removed as they may still have breast tissue.

What is involved?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to find breast cancer when it's too small to see or feel.

According to the HSE website, those who undergo a mammogram can expect to get their results via a letter within three weeks. Results will also be forwarded to the GP.

The HSE advises that breast screening does not find all breast cancer, but screening lowers the chance of breast cancer being diagnosed at a later stage.

Furthermore, cancer can happen at any time, including between your screening appointments.

The HSE says: “It is important to be aware of breast cancer symptoms and check your breasts regularly for any changes. Do this even if you went to your screening appointments.

“Look for changes in the appearance of your breast. Stand and look in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips.

“Raise your arms and look for changes in appearance. Check your nipples for changes or discharge.

“Feel your breasts. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Keep your fingers flat and together. Using a circular motion, cover your entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Move your hand from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.”

Anyone who detects a lump or notices other changes in the breast area is advised to ask for an urgent GP appointment in order to get examined right away, even if they have had a recent mammogram.

Further information is available at breastcheck.ie 

People are advised if they haven’t previously been called for screening to check the website to ensure  that they are on the register and that the information is correct.