Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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204. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his plans to rollout bowel cancer screening through out the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28452/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The National Bowel Screening Programme (BowelScreen) commenced in November 2012 and is being introduced on a phased basis to men and women between the ages of 60-69 years. When fully implemented the programme will offer free screening to men and women aged 55-74 every two years. The screening test, known as a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), is a home based test and approximately 94 to 95 per cent of people will receive a normal result and will be invited for routine screening again in two years time. A small number, in the region of five to six per cent, will receive a not normal result and will require an additional test. They will be referred for a colonoscopy to a Screening Colonoscopy Unit within a hospital contracted by the HSE National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) for provision of this service.

The accredited screening colonoscopy units provide good geographic coverage and are appropriate for the invited population to date. The programme is being rolled-out on a phased basis and is providing screening colonoscopies as required. The programme will be expanded over time until the full 55-74 age group is reached, at which stage once a person becomes a part of the programme they may be a participant for up to 19 years. Information resources available include a Freephone information line, leaflets and website.