To ask the Minister of Health how he will increase cancer screening for women.

Currently in Northern Ireland, we have three screening programmes aimed at reducing cancer mortality in asymptomatic individuals. These are the breast screening, bowel screening and cervical screening programmes.

Invitations for screening are sent to anyone registered with a GP in Northern Ireland and who meets the eligible criteria for that particular programme.

The screening programmes provide accessible, accurate and evidence-based information to individuals to ensure they understand:

the condition being screened for;

the testing process;

the risks, limitations, benefits, and uncertainties connected to the screening process.

It is up to individuals whether to accept or decline the invitation, based on their personal informed choice.

To promote the importance of accepting an invitation to breast, bowel and cervical screening, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Department supported the “Community Pharmacy Living Well,” campaign which ran in over 500 community pharmacies in April and May, this year. Details of the programme can be found via: Living Well - Business Services Organisation (BSO) Website (hscni.net)

In addition, PHA continues to commission the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) to promote informed choice in cervical cancer screening via its peer led community-based programme. The programme targets groups where rates of participation in screening are likely to be lower, including those impacted by health inequalities and living in deprived areas.

As with all screening programmes, anyone who is concerned about, or is experiencing, any unusual symptoms should seek advice from their GP rather than wait on their next screening test or screening test results.