HSE Press Release
Thursday, 5 October 2023
- Around 2,600 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year
Today (Thursday, 5 October), BowelScreen, the HSE’s national bowel cancer screening programme has begun lowering its age range to invite men and women aged from 59 to take the free at-home test. Bowel screening was previously available to those aged 60 to 69, now its 59 to 69. When our expansion is complete, everyone aged 55 to 74 will be invited for screening.
Around 2,600 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland every year. Bowel cancer is the second most common of all cancers in men and the third most common of all cancers in women in Ireland.
This expansion is outlined in the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and in the Programme for Government: Our shared future 2020, which commits to extending bowel screening to everyone aged 55 to 74 years. Research shows that the maximum benefit of screening will be achieved when bowel screening is available to those aged 55 to 74.
Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health says: “The latest expansion of the HSE’s BowelScreen Programme is another important milestone in the Government’s National Cancer Strategy, and I would encourage everyone aged between 59 and 69 to register to take the free at-home screening test using the BowelScreen kit.
“Bowel cancer is the second most common of all cancers in men and the third most common of all cancers in women in Ireland and recent research shows that a fear of finding something wrong is the most common reason for not taking part in the test. Screening offers a chance for earlier detection and often means treatment is more effective than with a later diagnosis and could save your life.”
Hilary Coffey Farrell, BowelScreen Programme Manager, says: “We are pleased that we are now able to offer BowelScreen to younger men and women. We are expanding towards the full 55 to 74 age range gradually, in carefully managed stages. This will ensure everyone has access to onward testing and treatment, if it’s found to be needed.
“Latest programme figures show 46.6% of those eligible took up invitation for screening. The more eligible people who take part in BowelScreen the more effective the programme is at preventing bowel cancer. If you’re aged 59 to 69 please take up the invitation to screening when it is offered; check the register to make sure we have your correct details and complete the screening test when you get it. Put it by the loo, don’t put it off!”*
Professor Pádraic Mac Mathuna, Clinical Director BowelScreen, says: “We are working towards full age expansion, while maintaining the high-quality screening service we offer our existing eligible participants.
“The primary goal of BowelScreen is to reduce mortality from bowel cancer in people in Ireland. It aims to detect bowel cancer as early as possible when there are no symptoms; and to identify and remove abnormal tissue growths, called adenomas or polyps, which could develop into cancer if left untreated. This greatly reduces the risk of future bowel cancer development.
“If cancer is diagnosed through BowelScreen testing it is more likely to be found at an early stage when treatment may lead to a better outcome. Every year around 3,000 people have pre-cancerous growths (known as polyps) removed through BowelScreen. These are all potential cancers prevented.”
There will be a period of time between commencing extension and some people aged 59 receiving their invitation to take part in screening. BowelScreen issues invitations in two-yearly cycles, meaning that some people may not get an invitation until they are 61.
Bowel screening looks for signs of bowel cancer before they cause any symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
- A persistent change in bowel habit. Going more often, with looser stools and sometimes stomach (abdominal) pain
- Blood in your poo especially if mixed through the stool. This makes it unlikely the cause is haemorrhoids (piles)
- Stomach pain, discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating. This can sometimes result in a reduction in the amount of food eaten and weight loss.
It is important that everyone is aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer, even if they recently had a screening test. If you have any concerns about your bowel health contact your GP. You will need to be on the bowel screening register before you’re offered a home screening test. People can find out if they are registered for BowelScreen.
If you would like more information please visit hse.ie/BowelScreen, Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or email info@bowelscreen.ie. You can register for bowel screening online and by emailing info@bowelscreen.ie, where you can also update your contact details.
Last updated on: 05 / 10 / 2023
