Hundreds of thousands more people will be sent a home-testing kit that can help to detect signs of
Bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer in England and early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Around two out of 100 people who use the kit will require further testing.
Since the FIT kit was introduced into the screening programme in April 2019, national uptake has increased from 59.2 per cent to 67.8 per cent.
The FIT kit is more convenient to use than the previous home test because it only requires one sample which can be done at home and is then returned in a sealed bottle.
Due to the increased uptake with the FIT kit, more cancers are now being detected than when the previous test was used, the NHS said in a press release.
Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “This is fantastic news and a massive step in the right direction towards screening from 50 in England, which we’ve long campaigned for.
“Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK but it’s treatable and curable if diagnosed early.
“Screening is one of the best ways to detect bowel cancer early and can often find it before symptoms develop.
“For most people, the home test should be fairly easy to complete and the majority of those who take part in screening won’t have bowel cancer.
“Quite simply, bowel cancer screening could save your life and we would encourage everyone to complete the test when they receive it.”
