The national BowelScreen programme could be extended to those aged 50 to 54 years. 

The cancer screening programme currently covers the age group 59 to 69  for screening every two years and the Department of Health has committed to extending it to 54 to 74 in the years ahead. 

HIQA is due to carry out an extensive review of the scheme and report back to the Department of Health.

“In this review, we’re going to look at what the implications of extending it to that age range will be in terms of what are the benefits, what might be any potential harms and what are the organisational and ethical issues,” HIQA Deputy CEO Dr Máirín Ryan said. 

“For example, what does the HSE need to do in order to expand the programme to take in this age range?”

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in Ireland. Symptoms can be subtle and don't necessarily make you feel ill and although they are very common, you should talk to your GP if symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks. Learn more: https://t.co/sI8WTWY4Kz pic.twitter.com/d2VTvMQD9Z

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) September 17, 2023

Dr Ryan said the Department will ultimately have the final decision on extending the programme.

“Once we’ve done that assessment, we’ll provide our evidence base to the national Screening Advisory Committee, they will then make recommendations to the Minister for Health, who makes the decision as to whether or not BowelScreen is extended to take in this age group,” she said. 

Around 2,600 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland every year; it is the third most common cancer in men and third most common among women. 

Symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in the softness in your poo, blood in your poo or needing to poo more often usual. 

Tummy pain and feeling tired for no reason are also symptoms.

Main image: A man using bowel cancer screening test. Picture by: Alamy.com