The Council of Women has called for priority to be given to a national action plan on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, in line with World Health Organisation standards.
In comments on the pre-budget document, the council said it supported the government's commitment to a comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer and the proposed breast cancer screening services for women in the 50-59 age bracket and for women at high risk.
"However, the council believes that early detection measures for younger women and extending the services beyond the age of 59 should be a national priority which can offer vast opportunities for a better quality of life for women of all ages," it said.