Don't Ignore Your Bowel Cancer Screening Kit – It Could Save Your Life

When your NHS bowel cancer screening kit arrives through the post, it's tempting to put it aside and tell yourself you'll get to it later.

For many people in their 50s, "later" often turns into never.

New NHS data shows that people aged 50 to 59 are much less likely to complete their bowel cancer screening test than older age groups.

Just over half of 54-year-olds took part in screening between April 2024 and March 2025, compared with nearly three-quarters of people aged 70 to 74.

That's a worrying gap, especially when bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and early detection can be lifesaving.

Why Screening Matters

Bowel cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. Many people feel perfectly well and have no idea that anything may be wrong.

That's why screening is so important. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme helps identify signs of bowel cancer before symptoms appear, giving people the best chance of successful treatment.

In fact, the programme is already making a huge difference. During the last year, around 100 cancers a week were diagnosed through bowel cancer screening.

The Test Is Easier Than You Think

Everyone aged 50 to 74 is sent a free NHS bowel cancer screening kit every two years.

The test used is called a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). It involves taking a tiny sample of poo using the plastic stick and sample bottle provided in the kit. The sample is then returned in the post for testing.

The laboratory looks for tiny traces of blood in the stool, which can sometimes be a sign of bowel cancer or other bowel conditions.

The whole process takes only a few minutes and can be completed in the privacy of your own home.

Why Are People in Their 50s Missing Out?

There are many reasons why people may put off completing the test:

• They feel healthy and don't think they need it.

• They are busy with work, family, and other commitments.

• They find the idea embarrassing or unpleasant.

• They don't realise how important screening is.

But bowel cancer doesn't only affect older people. Screening from age 50 is offered because it helps detect disease earlier, when treatment is often more effective.

A few minutes spent completing the test could provide reassurance or lead to investigations that identify a problem before it becomes more serious.

What You Can Do

If you've received a screening kit and haven't completed it yet:

✅ Find it

✅ Read the instructions.

✅ Complete the sample.

✅ Return it as soon as possible.

If you're eligible and think you've missed your kit, contact the NHS bowel cancer screening programme to request another one.

A Small Test That Could Make a Big Difference

Nobody looks forward to taking a bowel screening test, but it remains one of the simplest things you can do for your health.

The NHS is seeing thousands more people take part in screening each year, but participation among people in their 50s still needs to improve. By completing and returning your FIT kit, you're taking a simple step that could help detect bowel cancer early, and potentially save your life.

When your kit arrives, don't put it in a drawer. Complete it and send it back. Your future self may thank you for it.