Breast cancer screening age to be raised
The maximum age at which women in Northern Ireland can be screened for breast cancer is to be raised.
Health minister Michael McGimpsey revealed ladies up to the age of 70 will now be invited to attend the health care screening.
Previously, only women between the ages of 50 and 64 have been asked to attend the checks, which occur every three years.
Speaking at the launch of a new unit in Belfast, Mr McGimpsey said the disease kills 300 women every year in Northern Ireland.
He comments: "The extension of the screening age up to 70 will save lives and I would encourage everyone invited for an appointment to attend. It could be the difference between life and death."
The minister points out that women who have breast cancer detected by the screening programme have a 97 per cent survival rate after five years.
According to Cancer Research UK statistics, more than half of breast cancer deaths are women over the age of 70, which illustrates the need for healthcare. 
Adfero Ltd provides live and tailored breaking industry news for Chartis Direct. All industry news is prepared by Adfero Ltd and as such does not represent the views or opinions of Chartis Direct a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited.
© Adfero Ltd 2008
