{"id":152054,"date":"2026-03-31T19:11:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T19:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/bowel-cancer-warning-as-a-third-of-people-eligible-for-screening-do-not-complete-test\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T19:11:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T19:11:22","slug":"bowel-cancer-warning-as-a-third-of-people-eligible-for-screening-do-not-complete-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/bowel-cancer-warning-as-a-third-of-people-eligible-for-screening-do-not-complete-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Bowel cancer warning as a THIRD of people eligible for screening do not complete test"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By CIARAN FOREMAN, REPORTER<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published:<\/span>

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Nearly a third of people skip bowel cancer<\/a> screening in England \u2013 risking thousands of missed cases and preventable deaths, a leading cancer charity has warned.<\/p>\n

Since 2019, adults aged 50 to 74 have been sent a home testing kit as part of an NHS<\/a> drive to diagnose bowel cancer earlier, when it is far more treatable.<\/p>\n

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) checks for tiny traces of blood in a stool sample \u2013 an early warning sign of the disease. Once returned by post, results are usually available within two weeks.<\/p>\n

If no blood is detected, no further action is needed and patients are invited to repeat the test every two years. But if blood is found, they are typically referred for a colonoscopy to investigate further.<\/p>\n

Bowel Cancer UK analysed the latest data from NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) and found average uptake across England is just 71 per cent \u2013 meaning 29 per cent of those eligible do not complete the test.<\/p>\n

The charity warned this gap risks cancers being picked up at a later, less treatable stage.<\/p>\n

NHS Devon ICB recorded the highest participation rate at 76 per cent, above the national average.<\/p>\n

In contrast, NHS North West London ICB had the lowest uptake at just 56 per cent, prompting calls for urgent action to boost engagement. All ICBs across Greater London fell below the national average.<\/p>\n

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Nearly a third of people eligible for bowel cancer screening in England are not completing their tests, a leading cancer charity has warned<\/p>\n<\/div>\n