KENNY WELCOMES CANCER SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR 55 TO 74 YEARS OLDS

Posted on September 27, 2012 11:23 AM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour T.D. Seán Kenny has welcomed the news that a cancer screening service is at an advanced stage.

"I have been informed by the HSE, on foot of enquiries by constituents, that the cancer screening programme will be introduced over the remainder of 2012. When it is fully implemented, the programme will offer free screening every two years to men and women aged between 55-74 years of age. 50% of cancers within this age group are found in those aged between 60-69, and I am informed that the programme will begin with individuals of those ages - that's about half a million people.

"This is the first screening programme in Ireland that is to be offered to both men and women. Programmes like this are complex, and to ensure quality and the safety of patients, it has to be monitored as it is introduced. This is the reason why the programme is being introduced in stages.

"The focus with this programme is to have access at all public colonoscopy units, not only for those referred under the programme, but for all men and women who require a colonoscopy or similar procedures. I understand that there will be fifteen centres around the country that will offer this programme, once these centres are fully accredited and set up in order to carry out the screening.

"I want to pay tribute to the front line service workers in the HSE, who I know will deliver a top quality service to patients in the crucial battle against cancer."