The latest verified data for BowelScreen shows that uptake in 2022 – 2023 was 46.4%. Our standard for the programme is 50%. This means that we are aiming for half of all people that we invite, to take the test. The uptake rate among people who previously completed a BowelScreen test is almost 9 in 10 people, so taking that first test means that people are more likely to keep taking part. Read more about the HSE’s work to increase uptake.
Partnership working during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
For Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, colleagues from the National Screening Service (NSS) briefed the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) cancer prevention team and NCCP cancer prevention officers on all aspects of bowel screening. NSS community champions support people to choose screening through outreach into their communities, and information packs, which were sent out to a number of community groups including Swords women’s shed and West Cork Travellers. The NSS also provided training to men’s sheds volunteers, highlighting how to share bowel screening messages into their own sheds by using our community resources. A huge thank you to everyone for supporting bowel cancer awareness month.