Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
827. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that those over the age of 69 years no longer have access to a colonoscopy or bowel screening; and the reason that the screening ceases at this age given that the risk of bowel cancer increases as you get older. [32574/22]
View answerI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
The age range eligibility for our cancer screening programmes have been set in line with international criteria for screening programmes, based on the best international evidence.
The BowelScreen programme currently invites men and women aged 60 to 69 for bowel screening. The Programme for Government commits to extend eligibility in BowelScreen to those aged 55–74 years, in line with the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and international processes and best practice. The HSE is planning for this expansion.
Any decisions about changes to the screening programmes, such as further widening the age eligibility, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group, which was established in 2019, considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
The NSAC held its first Annual Call for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes in 2021. Following consideration of proposals related to the BowelScreen programme, the NSAC has asked HIQA to look at the evidence for further expansion of the age range eligibility for BowelScreen.
It is important to remind that screening is for healthy people without symptoms, and I would advise anyone to take up their invitation for screening when they receive it. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.
