The Irish Cancer Society has warned that missed BreastCheck targets for the second year in a row could lead to women being diagnosed with breast cancer later than they should be.
Figures from the National Screening Service show that just 137,000 women were screened last year, falling far short of the target of 195,000.
That means almost 60,000 women who were due a breast screening appointment in 2024 were not seen.
Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power described the shortfall as “alarming, but sadly predictable”, and said it will have serious consequences.
“Early detection is vital,” she said.
“If breast cancer is detected at Stage 1, 99% of women will survive. But survival drops to 37% if detected at Stage 4.
“There is no doubt that these missed screening targets will result in some women having their breast cancer detected later than it should have been.”
Ms Power said the screening delays highlight a broader crisis in cancer services, with growing waiting times across the system.
“Last year, one in four women referred by their GP with possible breast cancer symptoms weren’t seen on time for their breast clinic appointment.
“According to the latest data, one in three women didn’t get their breast cancer surgery on time.
“Delays are also common across many other cancer types,” she said.
“Behind these numbers are real people with cancer and their families. These delays are not only causing huge anxiety, they are also putting lives at risk.
“That will only change if Government urgently invests in more people, buildings and equipment as we call for in Budget 2026.”
The Irish Cancer Society has repeatedly called for multiannual investment in cancer care to address rising demand and prevent further backlogs.