Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
671. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the age limit with regard to bowel cancer screening (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16132/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 that 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 Programme for Government commits to expanding the age range for BowelScreen to those aged 55 to 74. Progress continues to be made in this regard, with the HSE offering screening to people aged 59 since October 2023, bringing the age range for bowel screening to 59 to 69. BowelScreen plans to next offer screening to people aged 70. However, further extending the age range eligibility for BowelScreen will need to give due consideration to balanced capacity in endoscopy facilities.
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 NSAC is already progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to evaluate the evidence for the further expansion of the age range eligibility for the BowelScreen programme to those aged 50 – 54. Work has already commenced in this regard and a report is expected to be submitted to NSAC for consideration in mid-2025.
It is important to note that population health screening measures are not individual diagnostic tests. Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone who is worried about symptoms at any time is advised not to wait for screening but to contact their GP immediately, for appropriate follow-up care.
