Earlier this month, the National Screening Service (NSS) announced that it has begun expanding the age range of those eligible for BowelScreen with the addition of 59-year-olds, initially moving from 60 to 69 to 59 to 69. This makes the free home screening test available to more people. Age extension is outlined in the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and in the Programme for Government. International research shows that the maximum benefit will be achieved when BowelScreen is available to those aged 55 to 74. NSS is expanding the age range gradually, in carefully managed stages, to ensure everyone has access to onward testing and treatment, if needed. Awareness of the new age range is being raised through a campaign across radio, national press and on social media. With the addition of people aged 59, NSS is asking that you please update your information sources to show the new age range – 59 to 69. NSS will keep you informed of future age expansions as they progress.
You can read more about the expansion in this NSS blog post.
