‘Don’t ignore your test kit’: Bowel screening age lowered to 59 as health officials urge people to take up test
Northern Ireland’s programme will gradually extend to include people aged 50 by 2031, with the PHA warning that returning a simple home test kit could help save lives
People across Northern Ireland are being urged not to ignore their bowel screening test kits as the age at which they are first invited for screening is lowered to 59.
The change, which begins this month, is the first step in a phased extension of the programme that will see the starting age gradually reduced to 50 by the end of March 2031.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone who receives a kit to complete and return it, stressing that screening can help detect bowel cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
Dr Joanne McClean, director of Public Health at the PHA, said the extension was a significant step towards improving public health outcomes.
“In Northern Ireland we will gradually lower the starting age for screening from 60 to 50, starting in November 2026 with individuals aged 59,” she said.
Eligible people will receive a test kit in the post, together with an information leaflet explaining how to take the test and return the sample.
The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in a small sample of a bowel motion, which would not usually be visible. If blood is detected, further tests may be recommended to investigate the cause.
Dr McClean stressed that the screening test does not diagnose bowel cancer, but can identify people who may need further investigation.
Screening can also identify early changes in the bowel wall, known as polyps, which can be removed during a screening assessment before they develop into cancer.
“Screening can only work if people take up the offer, so if you receive a kit, please complete and return it,” she said.
People who are aged 59 on November 2, 2026, or who have turned 59 during 2026, will be invited to take part between November 2026 and March 2027.
The invitations will be staggered over this period to avoid placing too much pressure on laboratory and hospital services if further investigations are required.
Those turning 59 after this date will be invited as the rollout progresses. People are also being encouraged to ensure their contact details are up to date with their GP practice, as invitations are issued through the GP system.
Dr McClean acknowledged that some people may feel embarrassed about discussing bowel movements or completing the test, but urged them not to let this put them off.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men and women and is the second most common cause of cancer death in Northern Ireland.
She also stressed that people of any age should be aware of possible symptoms and contact their GP if they experience them, even if they have recently completed a screening test.
Symptoms can include blood in the poo, looser stools, changes in bowel habits such as going more often or constipation, a pain or lump in the tummy, unexplained weight loss and feeling unusually tired for some time.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, it is always best to get them checked out with your doctor,” Dr McClean said. “It may turn out to be nothing of concern, but if it is something more serious, detecting it as early as possible can give any treatment you may need the best chance of success.”
Health Minister Robbie Butler said the expansion would mean everyone aged 50 to 74 would eventually be eligible for bowel cancer screening.
“I strongly encourage everyone who receives a screening kit to take part. Bowel cancer screening helps save lives,” he said.
The PHA also advises people to reduce their risk by eating a high-fibre diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking.
For more information about bowel cancer screening, visit nidirect.gov.uk/articles/bowel-cancer-screening.