The NHS has diagnosed thousands of bowel cancer cases through its screening programme.
Almost seven million people have taken part in NHS bowel screening in 2024/25, up from around 4.7 million in 2014/15.
70,000 cases of bowel cancer have been detected since the programme began 20 years ago.
A further 270,000 people have benefitted from ongoing monitoring after screening identified them as being at higher risk of the disease.
Bowel cancer screening test. (Image: Brendan Foster)
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Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: "The NHS has transformed bowel screening over the last two decades, making it easier than ever before for people’s cancer to be picked up, and the sooner it is spotted, the easier it is to treat.
"Anyone aged between 50-74 years old should be regularly tested.
"The NHS will send you a test when you’re eligible that takes just minutes to do from the comfort of your home."
The screening programme was launched in 2006 for people in their 60s and has since expanded to cover those aged 50 to 74.
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, stressed the importance of screening.
She said: "Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer, but it is treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed early.
"Screening is one of the best ways to spot the disease early or remove polyps that might develop into cancer, so please do take the test when you're eligible for it."
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