HIQA will assess whether Ireland’s colorectal cancer screening programme should be extended to people aged 50-54, currently open to those aged 59-69. The Programme for Government promises BowelScreen for ages 55-74, but calls have been made for screening from age 50, as in other countries. The assessment will consider benefits, harms, and implications, with a draft report open for public consultation. Further endoscopy capacity is needed for expansion. The Marie Keating Foundation suggests reducing the age to 50 due to research findings. Some European countries already screen from age 50, and plans to expand screening in England, Scotland, and Wales are underway, while the US and Australia offer screening from age 45.
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HIQA to assess expansion of BowelScreen eligibility
