‘It’s time to do a test’: Bowel cancer screening for people in their 50s critically low, NHS warns

11th July, 2026 | News

NHS Urges More People in Their 50s to Take Part in Bowel Cancer Screening

The NHS has raised concerns over the low number of people in their 50s completing routine bowel cancer screening, warning that early detection can save thousands of lives.

Latest figures show that only 56% of 54-year-olds completed the free at-home screening test, compared with nearly 74% of 74-year-olds. The screening programme, available every two years for people aged 50 to 74, uses a simple Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which requires a small stool sample that can be returned by post.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the programme helped diagnose an average of 100 bowel cancer cases every week, with experts saying increased participation could save nearly 6,000 lives by 2035.

NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, urged eligible adults not to ignore the test, noting that bowel cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms and is far more treatable when detected early.

One participant, Joanne Vernon, said she had no symptoms before completing the test at age 54. The screening led to the early diagnosis of bowel cancer, allowing her to undergo successful treatment. She now encourages others to complete the test as soon as it arrives.

Health experts continue to stress that taking just a few minutes to complete the free home test could make a life-saving difference.