Siobhan Freeney, Founder of Lobular Ireland, shared on LinkedIn:
“Private Vs Public Breast Health Care. Diagnostic Vs Screening Mammograms.
Breast imaging information withheld by Health Service Executive. Women left with no choice other than to make a GDPR Request.
It’s come to our attention that crucial, clinically relevant breast density information has been available for many years in spite of the narrative upheld by our Health Service Executive: ‘We don’t do that here – it’s an American thing.’
Ladies, if you’ve had a mammogram at any of these breast imaging facilities, you can (and should) make a GDPR (subject access request) for your personal breast density Information.
Breast density information is potentially life-saving breast health information and is withheld from Women. We know it has been available from several major diagnostic Breast Imaging Centres since 2019.
RAD Magazine published page 32 of their June issue:
‘Six Hologic 3Dimensions mammography systems were installed by Hospital Services Limited as part of three hospital installations. Cork University Hospital has received three systems, two systems have gone to St James’s Hospital Dublin, while University Hospital Waterford has received one system’
‘Each installation includes an Affirm tomosynthesis breast biopsy guidance system, a Brevera biopsy console offering real-time visualisation of core samples, as well as CAD and QUANTRA breast density software.’
Health Service Executive refuse to share personal breast density information with women. We know that this has led to late breast cancer diagnosis for many women along with life changing circumstances and trauma for families involved. Some of these women spoke to TD’S Houses of the Oireachtas recently.
The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was not in attendance, her Private Secretary, Penny Redmond, was there to witness these devastating accounts along with many of her Cross-party colleagues.
Early detection is crucial. Knowing your breast density matters and can help safeguard against the potential harms of delayed breast cancer diagnosis.”
You can also read:
Siobhan Freeney: We’re Calling for National Standardised Breast Density Notification