NHS has urged people in their 50s to test for bowel cancer in response to “low numbers” taking part in screening.
NHS confirms tests being sent to everybody in England over age 50
The NHS is sending crucial tests to people aged over 50, it has confirmed. The NHS has urged people in their 50s to test for bowel cancer in response to “low numbers” taking part in screening.
The NHS has urged millions of people in their 50s to complete lifesaving bowel cancer screening tests. The latest annual bowel screening figures show that just over half (56.2%) of 54-year-olds took part in screening in the year April 2024 to March 2025, compared with more than 7 in 10 (73.5%) 70 to 74-year-olds.
Free home-testing kits are sent to all 50 to 74-year-olds every two years in England, Wales and Scotland. Testing kits require tiny stool samples which doctors check for blood, helping to detect bowel cancer early.
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The NHS said at least one hundred cancers are diagnosed on average per week in the 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025 through its screening programmes.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, said: “People have extremely busy lives but we are concerned about the low numbers of people in their 50s returning their bowel screening kits.
“So if you remember Scott and Charlene’s iconic Neighbours wedding, it’s probably your time to do a test. Bowel cancer can develop without any symptoms, but catching it early saves lives.
“So when your kit from the NHS lands on the doormat, don’t put it on a shelf and forget about it. Do the test and send it back – it could save your life.”
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “If you’re in your 50s, you may now receive a screening kit through the post for the first time. Every completed kit is an opportunity to detect bowel cancer early or even prevent it altogether.
“It only takes a few minutes to do at home, but those few minutes could make a life-changing difference. Don’t put it off, complete your kit and return it as soon as you can.”
Public Health and Prevention Minister Sharon Hodgson said: “Bowel cancer screening saves lives and the expansion of this programme to people in their early 50s means we can now catch more cancers earlier, when treatment is most effective.
“This simple test arrives through your letterbox and can be done in the privacy of your own home. It’s quick, easy and it could make a huge difference to your health.”