It has been confirmed that a second BreastCheck Unit will start temporary screening in Donegal town from today.

The unit will be based at the Donegal County Council Offices for the next 22 days, according to Donegal Action for Cancer Care (DACC).

During this time, BreastCheck will invite approximately 770 women for their screening mammogram.

However, DACC understands, ‘concerted efforts’ are being made to increase this 22 day period to 27, which would see a total of 945 women screened.

“DACC are delighted that, further to their meeting with BreastCheck, an opportunity to optimise their screening capacity in Donegal has arisen due to a mobile and staff from another unit becoming available for a short period of 22 days,” a spokesperson for the group said.

BreastCheck told DACC that screening in County Donegal has been extremely challenging due to a number of staff resource issues they have had.

“BreastCheck understands completely the frustrations of women in Donegal who are overdue their screening appointments and ask that you bear with us,” the spokesperson added.

DACC described as “very worrying”, reports that between 15-20% of screening participants invited to their appointment do not attend.

“BreastCheck is a screening service for women between the ages of 50 and 69.

DACC again stresses the importance if you have any symptoms please contact your GP immediately.”