Urge people in their 50s to get screened for colon cancer

The NHS is urging people in their 50s to be screened for bowel cancer in response to “low numbers” taking part in screening.

Official figures from NHS England show that more than half of over-54s completed at-home testing kits last year, compared with 74% of those aged 70 to 74.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Cancer Clinical Director, said: “Bowel cancer can develop without symptoms, but catching it early can save lives.”

Free home inspection kits are sent every two years to all people aged 50 to 74 in England, Wales and Scotland.

Northern Ireland offers free tests to people aged 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP.

Diagnostic kits Doctors need small stool samples to check for blood, which can help early detection of colon cancer.

The NHS says that in the 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025, at least one hundred cancers will be detected every week on average through its screening programmes.

“So when your kit from the NHS lands on the door, don’t put it on the shelf and forget about it. Do the test and send it back – it could save your life,” Johnson said in a statement.

Free kits called Facal Immunochemical Test (FIT) can be resealed in a pre-paid envelope.

“People have very busy lives,” Johnson added. But we are concerned about the low number of people in their 50s returning their colonoscopy devices.

The NHS posts around 8.7 million fitness kits every year. It’s starting to roll out as a pilot in 2021 before rolling out to everyone aged 50 to 74 starting in January.

Cancer Research UK says more than 130 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer – the fourth most common type – every day in the UK, accounting for 12 per cent of all new cancer cases.

The government and health services need to do more to address barriers to people getting tested, he said.

Joanne Vernon, from Wigan, gave her back after taking up exercise at the age of 54. She then underwent further tests and was diagnosed with early stage colon cancer.

“When I got my test, I had no symptoms. None. So when the results came back, I was shocked.” Vernon, now 56, said.

The cancer was found early and she needed surgery, but no chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

“I want to make sure everyone my age gets one and completes theirs – it’s so easy to do and it’s been life-changing for me.”