The impact of Covid-19 on the national cancer screening programme has been revealed in new figures from the National Cancer Screening Service.
The number of women who had a complete mammogram was 56,270 last year, which is behind target by 128,730. The number of women who had one or more cervical smear tests in primary care was 143,028 which is behind target by 111,972.
In relation to bowel screening, there were 50,000 tests, which is behind target by 75,000. The figures were supplied to Aontú leader Peader Tobín following questions to the Minister for Health.
He said that the suspension of non-Covid healthcare services over the past year will have a cost in terms of increasing morbidity and mortality.