People in 50s urged to complete bowel cancer screening
Summary
The NHS is encouraging people in their 50s to complete free bowel cancer screening tests at home because fewer in this age group are taking part. Early detection through these tests can save lives by finding cancer before symptoms appear.Key Facts
- Free bowel cancer test kits are sent every two years to people aged 50 to 74 in England, Wales, and Scotland.
- In Northern Ireland, tests are sent to people aged 60 to 74, but there are plans to lower this age.
- Only about half of 54-year-olds completed their tests last year, compared to 74% of people aged 70 to 74.
- The test checks stool samples for blood, which can signal bowel cancer early.
- On average, the NHS detects around 100 bowel cancers per week through screening.
- Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with over 130 new cases diagnosed daily.
- Early diagnosis can mean less aggressive treatment, as seen in the case of Joanne Vernon, who found cancer without symptoms thanks to the test.
- The NHS sends about 8.7 million of these kits every year to encourage early detection.
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