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Bowel Cancer Screening Now Available for Over-50s

The NHS has recently expanded its bowel cancer screening programme to include everyone aged 50 and over, in a move that could save thousands of lives each year. This marks a major shift in the UK’s approach to early cancer detection and follows growing evidence that early screening improves survival rates significantly.

Why is This Important?

Bowel cancer is one of the UK’s most common cancers, with over 43,000 cases diagnosed annually. However, when caught early, over 90% of cases can be treated successfully. The new screening initiative aims to identify cancer earlier, before symptoms appear.

How Does the Screening Work?

If you are 50 or over, you will receive a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit in the post every two years. This simple home test detects tiny traces of blood in stool samples, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.

How to Use the Test

  1. Collect a small stool sample using the kit provided.
  2. Securely package it according to the instructions.
  3. Send it back via Freepost to the NHS laboratory for analysis.
  4. Receive your results within two weeks.

What If Your Test Is Positive?

A positive result doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but it does mean further testing (such as a colonoscopy) is needed to investigate any issues.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Bowel Cancer

Eat a high-fibre diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
Reduce processed meat consumption and limit red meat intake.
Stay active with at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol to maintain overall gut health.

Final Thoughts

Bowel cancer screening is now more accessible for over-50s, and taking part could be life-saving. Keep an eye out for your test kit and make sure to complete it—it’s a small step that could make a huge difference.

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