The national screening committee’s recommendation for bowel cancer screening in England to start earlier at 50 has been agreed upon by the Health Secretary and Public Health Minister. The independent expert committee had recommended reducing the bowel cancer screening age by 10 years, from age 60 to age 50.
As of now, men and women, aged 60 to 74, are invited to undergo bowel screening every 2 years through a test kit sent at home for collecting stool samples. After a thorough review of the evidence, the committee has recommended the faecal immunochemical home test (FIT) kit to be offered to individuals aged 50 to 74. The FIT is a new test to be introduced into the programme starting in autumn. It is believed to be easier to use and more accurate in cancer detection than the current test.
The current screening programme utilises a complementary screening procedure called flexible sigmoidoscopy offered to individuals at age 55. The committee recommends continuing use of the procedure until FIT can be offered to the same age group.
Public Health Minister, Steve Brine commented, "We are now considering opportunities and taking expert advice on how a sustainable, optimal bowel cancer screening programme starting at age 50 can work in the future."
