Aontú Clare Representative June Dillon has launched a petition asking BreastCheck and the Department of Health to retain the mobile unit in Clare
As first reported by The Clare Herald, Ms Dillon has been contacted in recent days by a number of women in Clare who were confused when they received letters from BreastCheck to arrange a mammogram at locations in Galway, Limerick or Nenagh. The mobile unit in Clare will no longer be an option from October 30, she has since confirmed. Word of the mobile unit’s departure only filtered out through women receiving appointment letters for Galway.
Earlier this year Dillon called for more investment in Clare’s cancer services when it was found that Co. Clare has the fifth-lowest breast cancer survival rate nationwide, following a parliamentary question submitted by Aontu.
“The fact that the BreastCheck mobile screening unit is being removed from Clare without any warning to the women of Clare is shocking, and very disappointing for those who might struggle to travel to the alternative locations in Limerick, Galway or Nenagh.”
“Every woman, regardless of where she lives, deserves timely and accessible breast screening. In Co. Clare, one of Ireland’s most beautiful rural regions, the stakes are high: we have the fifth-lowest breast cancer survival rate in the country.”
“The early detection of this disease through screening programs like BreastCheck is vital, greatly increasing survival rates and reducing treatment complexities. Now the removal of the mobile screening unit threatens this crucial service. No woman should be forced to travel long distances just to receive potentially life saving breast cancer screenings. The reality for Clare people is we have to travel for essential services! The journey to Galway, Nenagh or Limerick doesn’t just cost time, it involves expense, time off work and alternative caring arrangements if you are a parent or carer. These are burdens that the women of Clare do not need but will have contend with to access a vital healthcare service, especially those from rural and underserved areas”
Perhaps the decision makers don’t see the heartbreak of a family faced with a breast cancer diagnosis or the relief of catching cancer early when treatment is more effective. The personal, communal and societal benefits of retaining the BreastCheck mobile unit cant be overstated.
Communities have spoken and the message is clear. We say NO to shutting down BreastCheck in Clare!
Ms. Dillon has now set up a petition asking BreastCheck and the Department of Health to retain the mobile unit in Clare, and should it leave the county she is calling for a dedicated mobile unit for the county. “Breastcheck currently operate 24 mobile screening units across 54 locations in Ireland. Why is there not a mobile screening unit for every county?”
Join us in this critical fight for healthcare access in Co. Clare. The petition can be found on June Dillon Aontu social media (facebook, instagram, tiktok, x) or you can request the link via whats app on 0861908318 or https://www.change.org/p/keep-breastcheck-in-clare