Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

248. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21026/17]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

257. To ask the Minister for Health if he will utilise the available capacity by lowering the age of eligibility in view of the low uptake of the free bowel screen service, which is reported at just 40% of those eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21048/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 257 together.

BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme, is run by the HSE's National Screening Service. It offers free bowel screening to men and women aged 60-69. The BowelScreen Round One Programme Report, 2012-2015, which was launched on 25th April 2017, shows that 521 cancers were detected through bowel screening, 3 out of 4 of which were detected at an early stage. Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and bowel screening is recommended as an effective programme to reduce cancer mortality.

The BowelScreen programme is adequately funded and strenuous efforts are being made to improve the uptake, particularly among men who have lower rates of participation but significantly higher rates of cancer detection compared to women. These efforts include digital and social media initiatives, as well as targeted radio and press advertisements. The BowelScreen website (www.bowelscreen.ie) was developed to provide information to the public and allow them to ensure they are on the register, as well as providing a suite of information leaflets, posters and flyers for healthcare professionals. BowelScreen continues to promote the screening programme by engaging with stakeholder groups in promoting and encouraging the screening population to avail of this free test.