You can get cancer at any time, including between your screening tests. Cancers that are found in between screening tests are called 'interval cancers'.
Interval cancer is not common
Interval cancers happen in every screening programme. They are unavoidable.
But interval cancers are not common. For every 1,000 people screened in Ireland, around 2 of these will have interval cancer. This is a low rate that compares well internationally.
Why interval bowel cancer happens
An interval bowel cancer is a cancer that is diagnosed within 3 years of having a colonoscopy.
In most of these cases, there was no sign of cancer seen during the colonoscopy.
In some cases, there were some signs of cancer but these were not found when the colonoscopy was done.
Review your screening history after interval cancer diagnosis
Anyone diagnosed with bowel cancer can request a review of their screening history.
We are putting in place a new review process.
We will update this page with details of how to request a review when this process has been finalised.
Download a report on our interval cancer review process (PDF, 1.5 MB, 78 pages)
If you have symptoms - phone your GP
Contact your GP without delay if you have any symptoms of bowel cancer.
This includes rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habit.
Never ignore symptoms - even if you have had a recent normal screening result.
If you have any queries about interval cancer, contact us:
- Freephone: 1800 45 45 55 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- info@bowelscreen.ie