Health officials have voiced concerns regarding the significantly lower uptake of bowel cancer screening among people in their 50s.
New figures reveal just over half of 54-year-olds completed at-home testing kits last year, a stark contrast to almost three-quarters of individuals in their 70s.
The NHS routinely dispatches free faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) to the homes of everyone aged 50 to 74 every two years.
This straightforward test requires a small stool sample, returned via a pre-paid envelope.
The screening initiative has been instrumental in early detection, with an average of 100 cancer diagnoses per week between April 2024 and March 2025.
While nearly 5.2 million people participated overall, the data highlights that only 56.2% of 54-year-olds completed the test, compared with 73.5% of 70 to 74-year-olds, underscoring a critical gap in engagement.
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.”
The NHS sends around 8.7 million FIT tests to homes every year.
During the year, uptake was down to 65.2% from 67.6% in the previous 12 months, with those in younger age groups less likely to take up the offer.
Some 72.9% of 60 to 74-year-olds were up to date with screening.
Joanne Vernon, from Wigan, was 54 when she received her kit and completed it after a couple of weeks.
She then needed further tests and was diagnosed with early stage bowel cancer.
Ms Vernon, now 56, had surgery in July 2024 and is urging others not to put off screening.
She said: “I had no symptoms when I received my test. Not one. So I was really shocked when the results came back.
“I’m just glad I did the kit. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
“I want to make sure everyone else my age is completing theirs when they get one – it’s so easy to do and for me it was life-changing.”
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of 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.”
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Completing this test at home can be as quick as making a cup of tea, and those few minutes could be lifesaving – we encourage everyone who’s eligible to take part in bowel screening.
“We know catching cancer earlier boosts people’s chances of survival, and it’s concerning that fewer people in their 50s are taking up the chance to do these quick and easy at-home tests in England.
“The Government and health systems must do more to tackle barriers people face taking part in screening.”
