Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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573. To ask the Minister for Health his views on concerns expressed regarding the age limit applied to bowel cancer screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34594/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme, commenced offering free bowel screening nationwide to men and women aged 60 to 69 years in late 2012. The programme is focusing on those aged 60-69 years in the initial phase because, from a population perspective, this cohort will benefit most from bowel screening. It is envisaged that the programme will be expanded over time to the full 55-74 years target population.

Breastcheck has up to now provided free breast screening to women aged 50-64 years. However, last year I announced the extension of BreastCheck to women aged 65 to 69 and this is now commencing. The extension of the service will be fully rolled out by 2021.