Welcome to our latest news summary featuring updates from the National Screening Service (NSS). To keep up to date with our news, including upcoming events and job opportunities, read our news reports, and follow us on X @NSShse, LinkedIn, and on Bluesky @nsshse.
BreastCheck: how we are managing screening invitations
We aim to invite women for their first breast screening between the ages of 50 and 52 and every 2 years after that, up to the age of 69. Some women will get their first invitation at aged 50 and some will get their first invitation at aged 53. Most women will be screened every 2 years. This may be longer for some women. One of the reasons for this is the increase in our population. Read more about how we plan and manage our invites to BreastCheck.
The majority of women do not need to self-register for BreastCheck. Most women are added to the BreastCheck register automatically through the Department of Social Protection. Women can check that they are on our BreastCheck register and update their contact details if they have changed. We are aware that some women who self-registered between February and August this year have experienced difficulties seeing their details on the register. We have a dedicated team working to fix this. We expect it to be resolved by 5 Sept 2025. Women with queries about our register can contact us by email at info@screeningservice.ie or call us on 1800 45 45 55.
Explained: BowelScreen age expansion
BowelScreen is for men and women aged 59 to 70. We have started to expand the age range for the programme. This is a gradual process that ensures that people who are invited to take part will have swift access to further tests and treatment, if it is needed. In October 2023, we started inviting people aged 59 to take part in bowel screening; and in April this year, we started inviting people aged 70.
Changes to population screening programmes in Ireland must first be evaluated by the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) - an independent committee that makes recommendations to the Department of Health.
There is no proposal with the committee to extend the age range for BowelScreen beyond 74, which is consistent with European Council recommendations. A recommendation from the committee is expected later this year on the possibility of extending BowelScreen to people aged 50 to 54.
Read more about BowelScreen age range expansion.
Screening features in Breakthrough Cancer Research exhibition
We worked with the charity Breakthrough Cancer Research on their exhibition Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope. The exhibition tells the story of cancer from the earliest records to today’s lifesaving treatments, and it shows what tomorrow’s breakthroughs could bring.
In the exhibition, three of our Patient and Public Partnership representatives share their stories. Dympna Cremin describes her experience after being diagnosed with breast cancer following a screening mammogram with BreastCheck. Alejandra Diaz talks about her experience after she learned she had pre-cancerous abnormal cervical cells through CervicalCheck. Mary Kennedy talks about her life and recovery after a diagnosis of bowel cancer following a BowelScreen test.
Read more about these screening stories in this inspiring exhibition.
The exhibition runs at the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin, until 31 October. Admission is free. Book your free tickets to visit the exhibition.
Irish Healthcare Awards – five projects shortlisted
We have been shortlisted in five categories for the 2025 Irish Healthcare Awards. The winners will be announced at an event on 4 November 2025.
Read more about our projects that have been shortlisted for Irish Healthcare Awards.
We value your feedback - please contact us at: communications@screeningservice.ie.