HSE says ‘problem’ with viewing BreastCheck register will be fixed next week

The HSE has said “difficulties” some women had viewing their details on the BreastCheck register will be fixed by the end of next week.

It admitted that women who tried to self-register with BreastCheck earlier this year had “difficulties” viewing their details, but moved to reassure them that they are on the register.

The HSE said that these details are on the system despite the register “not showing your correct details”.

The statement was issued in response to queries after women contacted RTE Radio’s Liveline programme to highlight instances where they had registered themselves but could not view their own details on the register later.

In response to queries from PA, where the HSE was asked if there an issue with the BreastCheck register, the HSE sent a statement on Tuesday from the National Screening Service.

“The BreastCheck register is a list of people we invite to have a free breast screening test. Most people who are eligible for screening are already on our register – we get details from the Department of Social Protection.

“But there’s a chance we have your old contact details or that you’re not automatically on the register.

“If you have not had breast screening in Ireland before, make sure to: check that you are on the breast screening register; and give us your correct contact details, including your mobile phone number.

“You can do this from age 48, but we will wait until you are over 50 to invite you for breast screening.”

In an updated statement sent to PA on Wednesday, the HSE said: “The majority of women do not need to self-register for BreastCheck.

“Most women are added to the BreastCheck register automatically through the Department of Social Protection.

“We are aware that some women who self-registered between February and August this year have experienced difficulties seeing their details on the register.

“Your details are on our register, but our system has not been showing your correct details when you check them again.

“If you self-registered between February and August and provided your mobile number, you will receive a text message from us in early September to confirm your registration and let you know when you can view your details online.

“We have a dedicated team working to fix the problem, and we expect it to be resolved by Sept 5 2026.

“We will update this notice to confirm when the issue has been resolved.”

Those with questions about whether they are on the register can email info@screeningservice.ie or call 1800 45 45 55.

BreastCheck provides a breast cancer screening service every two years for women aged 50-69 at a clinic or at one of 24 mobile screening units.

The first breast screening invitation is usually issued within two years of a woman’s 50th birthday, and the results of the mammogram are usually issued within three weeks.

Cancer screening services aim to identify the disease among people who do not have symptoms in order to provide earlier treatment and reduce the number of deaths caused by cancer.

Those with symptoms of breast cancer or other types of cancer should contact their GP and not rely on screening services.