NHS Reports Lower Bowel Screening Uptake Among People in Their 50s

NHS England has reported that participation in bowel cancer screening is lower among people in their 50s, based on the latest annual figures. The data show that just over half of 54-year-olds—56.2%—completed a screening test between April 2024 and March 2025.

The figures have prompted a public call for people in this age group to return testing kits. Bowel cancer screening is offered to adults in England from the age of 54, with kits sent by post. The test looks for signs of cancer before symptoms appear.

Participation rates by age

According to the latest annual bowel screening figures, uptake among 54-year-olds was 56.2% during the 2024–25 period. This rate is lower than participation seen in older age groups, although the NHS England release did not provide comparative figures for other ages in the same dataset.

The lower uptake among people in their 50s has been identified as a concern by NHS England. The organisation has urged people in their 50s to complete and return the screening kits they receive in the post.

Why screening matters

Bowel cancer screening can detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The test can also find polyps, which are small growths that may develop into cancer over time. Removing polyps can prevent cancer from developing.

NHS England has emphasised the importance of returning completed kits. The screening programme is designed to be simple and can be done at home. The kit involves collecting a small stool sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.

Data context

The 56.2% participation rate for 54-year-olds covers the period from April 2024 to March 2025. These are the most recent annual figures available. The data were published by NHS England in July 2026 as part of a public information campaign.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in England. Screening is offered every two years to people aged 54 to 74. People aged 75 and over can request a kit by contacting the screening helpline.

The NHS England release did not include quotes from clinicians or patients. The organisation stated that people in their 50s are less likely to take part in bowel screening compared with older adults, and it is urging this group to return their kits.