NHS Reports Lower Bowel Screening Uptake Among People in 50s

NHS England has reported that participation in bowel cancer screening is lower among people in their 50s compared with other eligible age groups. The latest annual figures, covering April 2024 to March 2025, show that just over half of 54-year-olds completed and returned a screening kit during that period.

According to the data, the participation rate for 54-year-olds stood at 56.2%. NHS England said the figures indicate that people in their 50s are less likely to take part in bowel cancer screening.

Annual figures highlight age-related gap

The statistics were published as part of the latest annual bowel screening figures. NHS England stated that the data show a lower uptake among the 50s age group. The organisation is urging people in their 50s to complete bowel cancer screening tests.

The 56.2% participation rate for 54-year-olds was recorded between April 2024 and March 2025. NHS England reported that this age group is less likely to return screening kits than older cohorts.

Screening programme context

Bowel cancer screening is offered to eligible adults in England. The programme aims to detect signs of the disease at an early stage. NHS England has not provided additional detail in this release about the specific test used or the frequency of invitations.

The organisation emphasised that completing the screening test is important for people in their 50s. The annual figures were released alongside a call for this age group to return their kits.

NHS England did not include direct quotes from clinicians or programme leads in the announcement. The report focused on the participation rate for 54-year-olds and the broader pattern of lower uptake among people in their 50s.