O’Shea Welcomes New Community Pharmacy Initiative to Increase BowelScreen Uptake in Cork North West

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has welcomed a new initiative between the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) aimed at encouraging more people to take part in Ireland’s free BowelScreen programme.

From this month, more than 1,500 community pharmacies nationwide are promoting BowelScreen by placing information stickers on prescription bags for people aged 57 to 71.

The stickers encourage eligible people to speak with their local pharmacy team about bowel screening and include a QR code and freephone number allowing people to check whether they are registered, register for the programme and request their free home screening test.

Welcoming the initiative, Deputy O’Shea said “I warmly welcome this initiative by the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union to increase awareness of BowelScreen and encourage more people to take up the opportunity to participate.

“I would strongly encourage everyone across Cork North West who is aged between 57 and 71 to check whether they are registered for BowelScreen and, if eligible, to avail of the free home screening test.

“Bowel cancer is a serious illness, but screening can play a hugely important role in preventing bowel cancer and detecting it at an early stage, when treatment is often more effective and easier for the patient.

“The fact that the test can be completed in the comfort of your own home makes it a straightforward process, and the involvement of our local community pharmacies provides another valuable opportunity for people to get information and support.

“I would encourage people not to put it off. If you are within the eligible age range, please speak to your local pharmacist, check your registration and request your free home test kit if you need one.

“Around 850,000 people across Ireland are eligible for BowelScreen, and every year approximately 3,000 people have polyps removed following screening which could otherwise potentially develop into bowel cancer. That demonstrates the real impact screening can have in preventing cancer and saving lives.

“I would also encourage family members and friends to remind loved ones in the 57 to 71 age bracket about the importance of taking part. A simple conversation could make a very significant difference.”

Deputy O’Shea said the accessibility of community pharmacies makes them an important partner in raising awareness of preventative healthcare.

“Our community pharmacies are trusted and accessible healthcare settings in towns and villages right across Cork North West. Having pharmacy teams equipped to answer questions about BowelScreen will hopefully give more people the confidence and encouragement they need to take part.

“The message is simple: if you are aged 57 to 71, please check whether you are registered and avail of this free screening service. Taking a few minutes to complete the test could potentially prevent bowel cancer or help detect it at an early stage.”

People can check their BowelScreen registration, register for the programme and request a free home test kit by visiting the HSE BowelScreen website or by calling BowelScreen Freephone on 1800 45 45 55.

BowelScreen is free for people aged 57 to 71 and the screening test can be completed at home.