People are being encouraged to get over the "ick factor" as screening for bowel cancer is to be offered to those aged 57 to 71, as part of the HSE's expansion of the programme.
This is the fourth such expansion of the screening programme since 2023.
Around 2,500 cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed in Ireland every year, and it is the second most common form of cancer in men, and the third most common in women.
From tomorrow, BowelScreen is offering screening to everyone aged between 57 and 71, extending the previous age range of 58 to 70 by two years.
Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Alan Smith said symptom awareness is very important.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said people should watch for changes in bowel habits, such as going to the toilet more often, sudden constipation or blood in the stool.
He said that screening is "hugely effective" and that around two-thirds of cancers detected through screening are early stage one or two.
Dr Smith said that more than 3,000 people each year come into hospital to have a "cancer wannabe", such as a polyp or an adenoma, removed following a positive test.
"That's a cancer that'll never be," he said.
He added that once the polyp is removed the risk is "completely gone", but cautioned that it may be possible another type of cancer may develop.
Dr Smith said that the test is very simple and is done at home, but despite this the uptake is low.
"There's definitely what's called an ick factor, that people feel that it's a little bit awkward, it's a little bit embarrassing, but we need to get over that and talking about it helps with that and to promote the programme," he said.
He said there does seem to be an increase in cancers in people in their 20s, 30s and 40.
"And to be honest, a screening programme isn't a solution there. We still have to wait for the answers in terms of what's causing that, whether it's something to do with our microbiome and our antibiotic uses or early exposure."
Anyone within the target age range of 57 to 71 can order a test online.
People can register with BowelScreen, but anyone due to get a screening test will be contacted by the programme.
Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should visit their GP, even if they have had a recent normal bowel screening test.
