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.

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