- Public Health Minister writes to the UK National
Screening Committee
Public Health Minister has written to the UK National
Screening Committee (UK NSC) asking them to consider reviewing
the recommended age threshold for bowel cancer screening.
Her call, which fulfils a 100-day Scottish Government commitment,
follows an increase in colorectal cancers in under 50's in
Scotland since 2013.
Under current UK NSC recommendations, people aged between 50 and
74 are offered bowel cancer screening every two years.
Ms Todd said: We have already committed that, if the UK NSC does
not agree to a review, we will establish a pilot in Scotland to
trial bowel cancer screening in younger people.
"Research from Public Health Scotland in September 2025 showed a
significant increase in the rate of bowel cancer among those
under 50 between 2013 and 2023 in Scotland, and I share the
concerns among clinicians, researchers, and public health
professionals regarding this upward trend among younger adults.
"Earlier detection of bowel cancer is strongly associated with
improved outcomes, and I would welcome a review by the UK NSC to
determine whether the evidence would support extending bowel
screening to younger age groups in order to improve outcomes and
achieve public health benefits for the population."
Background
A copy of letter is available on request and will be published on
gov.scot from 00:01 Sunday 12 July
Public Health Scotland data: Cancer incidence in Scotland -
to December 2023 - Cancer incidence in Scotland - Publications -
Public Health Scotland
