Lower Screening Age For Cancer

As most of us know the age we are offered bowel cancer screening is 60-74 years. However, this is not a broad enough age limit as people under the age of 60 are still susceptible to bowel cancer. Proposals about lowering the age have been accepted by ministers.

Although a timetable has not been set up yet it is likely to become available from the age of 55 and then from the age of 50 will follow.

There is a test that can be carried out at home called the faecal immunochemical home test (FIT) method that is available from the ages of 60-74, but it has been recommended by the UK national screening committee that this service is offered from the age of 50.

If you would like to read more visit: https://www.theguardian.com/society/bowel-cancer

If you are interested in finding out more about the FIT method visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/screening/bowel-screening-evidence-and-resources/faecal-immunochemical-test-fit