Expansion of HSE BowelScreen Programme to People Aged 58
Nov 04, 2025
The HSE’s BowelScreen programme now offers free bowel cancer screening to people aged 58, extending eligibility to men and women aged 58 to 70.
This expansion makes an additional 60,000 people eligible for free screening.
It is the third expansion since October 2023, as part of the plan to gradually extend screening to those aged 55 to 74.
Online Access: A new online register allows people to:
– Check if they are registered,
– Update contact details,
– Check when their next test is due, and
– Request a free home test kit.
How BowelScreen Works:
– People receive an invitation letter to take part in screening.
– A home test kit is sent on request.
– The completed sample is returned by post for testing.
– 96% of participants receive a normal result (no blood detected).
– If blood is detected, participants are referred for a colonoscopy at one of 15 hospital endoscopy units.
– 1 in 20 colonoscopies detect cancer; pre-cancerous polyps are routinely removed to prevent cancer developing.
Participants rated their home test experience 9.1/10 in 2024 surveys, with over 98% finding the kit easy to use.
Further Information
Website: www.hse.ie/bowelscreen
Freephone: 1800 45 55 55
