Scotland requests review on bowel cancer screening for under-50s
Tuesday 14 July 2026
The Scottish government has written to the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) asking them to consider reviewing the recommended age threshold for bowel cancer screening.
Across the UK, bowel cancer screening programmes are informed by recommendations from the UK NSC, which independently reviews the evidence on whether screening is safe, effective, and represents the best use of NHS resources.
The Scottish government previously committed to requesting such a review due to growing evidence that bowel cancer rates are increasing in people under 50.
The aim of the proposed review is to determine whether there is evidence to support extending screening to lower age groups to improve health outcomes for people in Scotland.
It is right that screening policy is kept under review as the evidence develops. However, any decision to extend screening to younger people would need to balance the potential benefits against the risks, costs, and pressure on already stretched diagnostic services.
Under current UK NSC recommendations, people aged between 50 and 74 are offered bowel cancer screening every two years in England, Scotland and Wales.
A review of the screening programme in Scotland would not automatically lead to changes elsewhere in the UK. There are currently no planned changes to bowel cancer screening programmes in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “It's right that the Scottish Government wants to keep the evidence on bowel cancer screening in younger adults under review. With bowel cancer rates rising among younger people, it’s important that we continue to explore every opportunity to improve early diagnosis and outcomes.
"Whatever happens with this proposed review, any changes to screening must be based on robust evidence and supported by the NHS having the diagnostic capacity it needs to deliver them safely and effectively. Scotland's focus must stay on diagnosing bowel cancer earlier and ensuring that everyone receives the right care at the right time."
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