The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) recently launched a public consultation on its draft health technology assessment (HTA) of extending BowelScreen to those aged 50 to 54 years.

The assessment will provide evidence-based advice that will support a recommendation on whether or not to extend BowelScreen to those aged 50 to 54.

Dr Máirín Ryan, HIQA’s deputy CEO and director of Health Technology Assessment said: “Bowel cancer is more common in older age groups but screening from the age of 50 is likely to be effective in terms of reducing deaths from colorectal cancer. The risk of harms from screening also appears to be lower in younger age groups.

Dr Ryan continued: “A commitment is in place to expand screening to people aged 55 to 74. However, the services required for screening are under pressure to meet existing demands. Significant investment and planning would be required to ensure the necessary resources are in place to support a potential future extension of the BowelScreen programme.”

The draft findings of this HTA have now been published and HIQA is seeking feedback from the public on the draft report. A consultation form, which can be completed online or downloaded and filled out, is available at www.hiqa.ie. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on August 15, 2025.