Jonathan O'Brien
Question:748 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health the resources that have been allocated to the roll-out of the colorectal screening programme. [36376/12]
View answerThursday, 19 July 2012
Questions (743, 744, 745)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:749 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that multi-annual funding is in place to deliver bowel cancer screening by the end of this year. [36377/12]
View answerJonathan O'Brien
Question:752 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the bowel cancer screening programme is extended to persons aged 55 to 74 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36380/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 748, 749 and 752 together.
Part of the Health Service Executive's National Cancer Control Programme, is responsible for the development and implementation of Ireland's national colorectal screening programme. The programme is planned to begin in the final quarter of 2012 and will initially target people aged between 60 and 69. Free screening will be offered to 400,000 people in this age group. Resources are available to roll out the programme at the end of 2012.
Screening will identify people with either pre-cancerous polyps or early stage cancer, so they can be treated in a timely fashion, thus preventing significant morbidity and mortality which are associated with colorectal cancer. Preparations for implementation are continuing to ensure that every element of the screening programme meets appropriate quality standards before its commencement.
The programme will be extended to persons aged 55 to 74 years as capacity and resources allow.