02/04/2026
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Know the Facts
About 2,500 people in Ireland are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year. It is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women.
As of April 2026, screening is offered to people aged 57 to 71.
An invitation is sent every two years.
Screening can help find bowel cancer early, when it is easier to treat and outcomes are better.
BowelScreen is Ireland’s free bowel cancer screening programme.
It uses a simple home test that looks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo — often too small to see yourself.
Most people (96%) only need the home test and won’t need further checks.
How the Test Works
You get an invitation letter.
A free kit is posted to you.
You take a small sample at home — it only takes about 5 minutes.
[about.hse.ie]
Post it back in the free return envelope.
You get your result within 4 weeks.
Screening can find cancer early or even prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps (small growths that can turn into cancer).
Just one screening test can reduce your chances of developing bowel cancer.
Symptoms to Watch For
Even if you are screened, talk to your GP if you notice:
changes in bowel habits
blood in your poo
constipation that’s new or unusual
Freephone 1800 45 45 55 to check if you’re registered or to request a kit or go to hse.ie/bowelscreen
https://youtu.be/CGW_4rcIYto
This is an animated video showing the steps involved in completing a free BowelScreen home test. BowelScreen – The National Bowel Screening Programme offers ...