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Health · 11 July 2026

NHS urges 50-somethings to complete free home bowel cancer screening kits

NHS urges 50-somethings to complete free home bowel cancer screening kits

The NHS is concerned about the low proportion of people in their 50s returning free home-testing kits for bowel cancer. Last year, around 50% of 54-year-olds submitted kits, compared to a 74% completion rate for older demographics. Screening identifies at least 100 cancers weekly, with doctors checking stool samples for blood to find bowel cancer early.

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

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