Over 1.2 million mammograms have been provided to women as part of BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, since its introduction in 2000, and more than 7,400 cancers have been detected.

The programme is launching a new campaign aimed at encouraging all women aged between 50 and 64 to attend for a mammogram when invited.

Most women in this age group have had at least one mammogram, and eight in 10 return for a second when they are invited. However, the overall number of women taking part has fallen in recent years and BreastCheck has expressed concern that women in their early 50s are less likely to get involved.

"Most women in this age range in Ireland are taking part and we need these women to encourage their friends and family to attend their free screening appointments when they are invited. We've seen a drop of 6% in women attending over the past four years, which is worrying as we need to maintain a minimum of 70% attendance to deliver the most benefit to the women screened," explained BreastCheck's lead clinical director, Dr Ann O'Doherty.

In 2008/2009, 77.4% of invited women attended their appointments. However by 2012/2013, this figure had fallen to 71.4%.

Dr O'Doherty pointed out that since the risk of breast cancer increases with age, it is important that women avail of their mammogram every two years so that early changes can be identified. When caught early, breast cancer is easier to treat as there are more treatment options available.

Breastcheck began in Ireland in February 2000 and since then more than 450,000 women have availed of over 1.2 million mammograms. Over 7,400 cancers have been detected in this period.

An appointment takes just 30 minutes and is free of charge.

Commenting at the launch of the new campaign, Health Minister Leo Varadkar, ‘strongly encouraged' all women to avail of their appointments.

"The vast majority of screenings are found to be perfectly healthy. Where problems are detected, early treatment greatly increases the likelihood of full recovery. It's free, it's fast and it's the sensible thing to do for you, your family and your community," he said.

Meanwhile, BreastCheck is reminding women of all ages to be breast aware. Women are encouraged to know what is normal for their body and what changes they need to look out for. These can include lumps or unusual thickening of the skin, dimpling or puckering of the skin, a change in the shape or size of the breast and swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone.

If you have any concerns, contact your GP without delay.

For more information on BreastCheck, click here