BreastCheck Mobile Unit Arrives in Sligo: Free Screening for Local Women
A BreastCheck mobile screening unit is currently parked on the grounds of Sligo Rovers Football Club, offering free mammograms to eligible women. The service is designed to reach women in the 50-69 age bracket, with invitations typically issued when women are 52 or 53, depending on local screening rounds. The mobile unit provides a convenient, accessible option for those who may find it challenging to travel to a fixed clinic.
Why BreastCheck Is Important
Breast screening detects cancers at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. A screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to identify signs of cancer before symptoms appear. While most screened women receive normal results, about 1 in 20 are asked to return for further assessment to ensure no issues are missed. Early detection can lead to better outcomes and more treatment options.
How to Make the Most of Your Appointment
To ensure every available slot is used, BreastCheck asks women to follow a few simple steps. If you cannot attend your appointment, please notify the team so your slot can be offered to someone else. If Sligo town is not convenient, call the number on your appointment letter to arrange screening at another unit, or to request longer appointments or additional support if you have particular needs.
Women aged 53 to 69 who have never attended BreastCheck are encouraged to call. If cancellations arise, there may be opportunities to fit new attendees in. If you have questions, calling BreastCheck is encouraged for guidance and rescheduling options.
What to Expect and What to Do If You Have Symptoms
Screening is recommended for women aged 50-69 approximately every two years. The program emphasizes that most results are normal, but it also reminds people to seek medical advice if they notice symptoms outside of screening rounds. Symptoms warrant a GP visit rather than screening, including a new lump, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, swelling under the arm, skin changes, rashes, or any nipple changes such as retraction.
Updates from BreastCheck Leadership
Gráinne Gleeson, BreastCheck Programme Manager, notes that Ireland has screened over 2.5 million mammograms since the program began. With a growing population, approximately 100,000 more women are now eligible for BreastCheck than six years ago. The service is expanding access through innovation, longer-term planning, and prioritizing those waiting longest. The aim is to offer the first screening by age 52 (sometimes 53) depending on local scheduling. In many cases, seven out of ten women are screened within the target interval of about two years, with ongoing efforts to reduce wait times and reach those who have not yet been screened.
Commitment to End-to-End Care
BreastCheck emphasizes a holistic approach, from screening to assessment and, if needed, treatment. The service is accredited by the European breast screening quality assurance body, EUREF, underscoring its commitment to high-quality standards. This year, the program projects screening over 170,000 women with a strong 2024 uptake rate of 72% – above the 70% target.
How to Check Your Eligibility and Book
For current eligibility and scheduling details, visit hse.ie/breastcheck or call 1800 45 55 55. The mobile unit in Sligo demonstrates BreastCheck’s ongoing effort to bring life-saving screening closer to communities across Ireland.
