National Screening Service, HSE published the latest NCRI Annual Statistical Report 2026 highlighting population screening programmes' role in improving cancer outcomes in Ireland.

We deliver population screening programmes that help prevent, reduce the risk of, and assist the recognition of disease in Ireland. We run 4 national population screening programmes: 3 that screen for cancer, and 1 that screens for diabetic retinopathy. Our screening programmes are: BowelScreen - the national bowel screening programme BreastCheck - the national breast screening programme CervicalCheck - the national cervical screening programme Diabetic RetinaScreen - the national eye screening programme for people with diabetes Our programmes focus on looking for early signs of disease in healthy people, so that we can: - detect health issues early - help prevent disease - ensure that anyone who does develop the disease being screened for has the best chance of early, more effective treatment - reduce people’s risk of developing a disease or its complications - support people to make informed decisions about their health