Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
596. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the ages for cancer screening are being reviewed by his Department for breast and bowel cancer; if lowering the age of same is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53737/23]
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.
Any decisions about further changes or expansion of our screening programmes, will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group 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.
I would stress to the Deputy that careful consideration must be given to any proposed expansion of Ireland’s screening programmes and that this process must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. In this regard, I am pleased to report that the Committee is already progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has asked HIQA to evaluate the evidence for the further expansion of the age range eligibility for both the BowelScreen and BreastCheck programmes.
BreastCheck currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular periods to have a routine mammogram. Under commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck eligibility has been expanded to women aged 69 years since 2021
The Programme for Government also commits to expanding the age range for BowelScreen to those aged 55 to 74. The HSE began offering screening to people aged 59 in October 2023, bringing the age range for bowel screening to 59 to 69. BowelScreen plans to next offer screening to people aged 70, with plans for implementation continuing to be dependent on available resources.
Population-based screening programmes are for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.
