Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of the roll-out of the national colorectal screening programme; when screening will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6916/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I am pleased to confirm the establishment of a national colorectal cancer screening programme. Work has already begun to put the programme in place. This programme will initially be offered to men and women aged between 60 and 69 years. Screening will commence in early 2012 following an intensive period of preparation. About 50% of colorectal cancers in the 55-74 age group occur in people aged 60-69 years. The programme will be extended to all those in the 55-74 year age group as logistics and resources allow.

Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in Ireland. Approximately 2,200 new cases are diagnosed and around 1,000 people die from the disease each year. A successful national colorectal cancer screening programme has the potential to significantly reduce mortality from this cancer. Colorectal screening works on two fronts: it provides early detection and therefore earlier and more effective treatment, and it helps to prevent cancer in the first place by detecting pre-cancerous growths such as polyps. The programme will be provided by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS). There will be a two year pre-implementation phase beginning 1 January, 2010, which will be used to build colonoscopy capacity, including training of Advanced Nurse Practitioners.

There are estimated to be just over 400,000 people in the initial target age group (60 to 69 years). Half of these will be invited for screening each year. Based on expected uptake rates and incidence rates, it is expected that around 6,000 colonoscopies would take place each year within the screening programme. Currently, around 59,000 colonoscopies are performed in the public healthcare system annually. The Irish Cancer Society has generously offered to contribute €1million towards the screening programme. When the various dimensions of the programme are identified the Department will revert to the Society to discuss possible uses for this money. I am glad that this important programme will now proceed.