We have commenced a health technology assessment of extending Ireland’s BowelScreen programme to those aged 50 to 54 years.
BowelScreen aims to detect signs of bowel cancer at an early stage. The screening programme uses an at-home test that looks for a level of blood in the stool. If the amount of blood found in the stool is above the screening limit, participants are referred for a colonoscopy.
Dr Máirín Ryan, our Deputy CEO and Director of Health Technology Assessment, said: “Screening can help to detect signs of cancer at an earlier stage, when there may not be any symptoms.
“We are undertaking a health technology assessment to consider the implications of extending the BowelScreen programme to include people aged 50 to 54 years.
“In this assessment, we will explore the benefits, potential harms, and organisational and ethical implications of extending the colorectal cancer screening age for patients, the general public, and the healthcare system in Ireland.”
The programme currently invites those aged 59 to 69 years for screening every two years and there is a commitment to screen those aged 55 to 74 in the future.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is the second most frequently occurring cancer in males and the third most common cancer in females in Ireland.
Once completed, a draft assessment will be made available for consultation, giving the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the findings.
The assessment will be completed next year.
For more information on the BowelScreen assessment, visit our website here.
(Pictured at the beginning of the article: Dr. Máirín Ryan, HIQA’s Deputy CEO and Director of Health Technology Assessment.)