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Bowel Cancer Screening Urged for Under-60s
6 Apr
Summary
- Hospitals will offer bowel cancer screening information this month.
- Bowel cancer is the fourth most common UK cancer, curable if caught early.
- Screening kits are available for those aged 50-74.
Health teams are enhancing bowel cancer awareness throughout April, particularly targeting those under 60. This initiative aims to address concerning screening rates among younger demographics. Hospitals in Peterborough and Huntingdon will host informational sessions, offering advice and demonstrating how to use home testing kits. Bowel cancer, the fourth most common cancer in the UK, is highly curable when diagnosed early. The trust is backing a program that advocates for lowering the screening age to 50, facilitating earlier detection. Everyone between 50 and 74 years old is eligible for a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit sent by post. Screening can also identify pre-cancerous polyps. While over 90% of new cases occur in those over 50, the disease is increasingly affecting younger individuals. Those below the standard screening age with concerns about symptoms should consult their GP.
