A straightforward device that has the potential to save lives will be distributed to all individuals over the age of 50 by the NHS.

At its core, it's merely a basic plastic tube, yet it holds the promise of saving lives. Individuals aged 50 and above will now be provided with a home-testing kit designed to identify early indications of bowel cancer.

The final stage of the expansion of the NHS programme comes after a Lancet study revealed a worrying increase in bowl cancer among younger adults. The faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which checks for blood in a small stool sample, will see almost a million more people become eligible as it will be sent out to everyone aged 50 and 52. It involves putting a poo sample in a small tube and returning it by post to the NHS for testing. Two out of 100 people who use the kit will require further testing.

NHS England has expressed concern over the notably low participation rates in testing among younger demographics, with recent statistics revealing that less than 60% of individuals aged 54 to 59 are returning their tests. In contrast, older age groups have a return rate exceeding 70%.

Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS England director for cancer, stated: “Every year, thousands of individuals in England are diagnosed with bowel cancer, and there are growing worries about its increasing prevalence among those in their 50s. However, we understand that early detection significantly improves survival rates. That’s why the NHS is distributing millions of complimentary bowel cancer screening kits, allowing people to screen themselves conveniently at home. We strongly encourage everyone who receives an invitation to participate.”

"Don't be ashamed about bowel movements – the test is easy and fast to perform, and it can identify early indicators of bowel cancer, frequently before any symptoms show up. Therefore, if you receive a FIT kit, please make sure to return it. Anyone who notices symptoms like blood in their stool or intense abdominal pain, regardless of age, should consult their GP immediately for an evaluation."

Sending out the tests to an extra 850,000 people aged 50 and 52 completes the expansion of the screening test to everyone in England aged 50 to 74. It brings the country in line with availability of the test in Wales and Scotland. People aged 51 and 53 will need to wait until their next birthday but will then be posted a kit.

Stephen Gates, a 56-year-old director of business development residing in north Buckinghamshire, received a diagnosis of stage 2 bowel cancer after submitting his FIT kit this summer. He shared, “I’ve always led an active and busy life, juggling full-time work and regular exercise, and I’ve maintained a healthy diet – in fact, I feel as fit as I did in my mid-30s. So, you can imagine my surprise when I finished my first home testing kit and got a call to schedule a colonoscopy. Sadly, it showed that I had a malignant tumor in my bowel. I was in disbelief – I had no signs or symptoms at all.”

Initially, I felt a wave of devastation and fear. The period of about a month between receiving my diagnosis and the results of the scans was incredibly challenging. I confided in only a few people—my wife, my boss, and two close friends. I chose to protect my two daughters and my extended family and friends from this news until I had clearer details regarding my treatment options.

“The scans revealed that I had stage 2 cancer, but luckily it hadn’t spread. I elected to have bowel resection surgery later that summer, but stayed positive given it had been caught early. I spent the time preparing for surgery by exercising more, so that I was in the best possible physical and mental shape. I spent less than 72 hours in hospital following a 10-hour operation. The surgery was a great success and I’m now exercising at my previous levels, and I’ve started boxing.

"I consider myself very lucky that my cancer was detected early thanks to a straightforward screening test that was easy to fill out and return. I know some individuals may feel apprehensive about undergoing the test, but rest assured, you’re likely to have nothing to fear and can rest easy knowing that. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and complete your bowel screening kit. It has the potential to save your life."

Dr. Lisa Wilde, the director of Bowel Cancer UK, stated: “Stephen’s experience highlights the crucial role of completing the screening test to detect the disease before any symptoms arise. We encourage everyone to take inspiration from his story and to complete the test as soon as they receive it.”

It comes a month after a Lancet study found rates of bowel cancer in young people are rising around the world. Analysis of early onset bowel cancer in those aged 25 to 49 showed England is among the countries with the biggest rise, averaging a 3.6% increase every year.

The type of cancer, known for producing widespread symptoms that complicate diagnosis, currently takes the lives of nearly 17,000 individuals in the UK annually.

Bowel cancer is now the third most common cancer in the UK and is the same type that killed TV presenter Dame Deborah James at age 40 in 2022. Dame Deborah - who was given the moniker ‘Bowel Babe’ - made it her driving mission in her final months to raise awareness of the disease and encourage people to take the FIT test.

Steve Russell, the screening director for NHS England, remarked: “We are witnessing a promising response to the home testing FIT kits, with more than two-thirds of eligible individuals submitting their tests. However, participation declines among younger age groups, and we aim to encourage even greater involvement. Although taking a bowel cancer test might not be top of mind as the new year begins, it has the potential to save your life. If you happen to have a FIT kit tucked away in a drawer, I strongly urge you to send it back as soon as possible. While most people will not show signs of cancer, early detection through this test can lead to timely follow-ups and necessary treatment if needed.”

He stated, “Early detection of cancer can save lives, and by extending the NHS bowel cancer screening programme to individuals aged 50, we can identify signs of bowel cancer earlier, potentially saving thousands of lives.”

Research is currently being conducted to understand the reasons behind the rising incidence of bowel cancer among younger individuals. Experts suggest that factors such as unhealthy diets, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, obesity, and insufficient physical activity may contribute to this trend. Individuals who are newly eligible for screening will receive an invitation letter along with a FIT test kit, complete with instructions and prepaid packaging for return. This process will automatically apply to those in the new age group as the initiative is implemented nationwide. Participants will receive their results, along with details regarding any necessary follow-up tests.

Each year in the UK, over 44,000 individuals receive a new diagnosis of bowel cancer. The symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Needing to use the toilet more or less often than usual

• Blood in your stool, which may look red or black

• Abdominal pain

• A lump in your abdomen

• Bloating

• Unexplained weight loss

• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

Bowel cancer symptoms can also be caused by other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, but it's important to get checked so the disease can be spotted as early as possible. People can call the free bowel cancer screening helpline for advice on 0800 707 60 60. Information on bowel cancer and the screening programme can be found on the nhs.uk website.

Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne stated: “Screening for bowel cancer is crucial in saving lives from one of the most prevalent cancers. It's wonderful to witness the expansion of the screening initiative. The evidence is clear - this rollout will identify more cases at an earlier stage, reducing mortality and allowing our dedicated NHS staff the vital time to treat patients sooner, thereby enhancing their chances of a better life.”

"In line with our Plan for Change, we are committed to ensuring that the NHS is prepared for the future and tackling cancer comprehensively – focusing on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and ongoing research."