The UK NSC recommendation on Bowel Cancer screening in adults

Recommendation	Systematic population screening programme recommended
Last review completed	August 2018
Next review due in	2021/22

Key downloads	Evidence summary- Bowel Cancer (2018) UK NSC coversheet and consultation responses

The UK NSC recommends a change to the test used in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programmes. The use of Faecal Immunochemical Test as the primary test for bowel cancer should replace guaiac Faecal Occult Blood Test.

Find general information about population health screening.

Why is screening recommended by UK NSC?

Screening for bowel cancer should be offered every 2 years to men and women between the ages of 50 and 74 in the UK using the faecal-immunochemical test (FIT).

In July 2020, the UK NSC recommended the permanent discontinuation of bowel scope in the English Bowel Screening Programme. Click here for a summary.

More about Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is the general name given to cancer that begins in the large bowel. It can also be referred to as colon cancer and colorectal cancer. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.

Screening in the UK

Compare how screening is offered across the UK.

Stakeholders

• The Assocation of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
• Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
• Beating Bowel Cancer
• Bowel Cancer UK
• Bowel Cancer Wales
• The British Association for Cancer Research
• British Association of Surgical Oncology
• The British Association of Urological Surgeons
• British Society of Gastroenterology
• Cancer Research UK
• Faculty of Public Health
• Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy
• Lynn's Bowel Cancer Campaign
• Macmillan
• Medical Research Council
• Northern Ireland Cancer Network
• Royal College of General Practitioners
• Royal College of Nursing
• Royal College of Pathologists
• Royal College of Physicians
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
• Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Royal College of Radiologists
• Royal College of Surgeons
• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Society and College of Radiographers
• Urostomy Association

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the recommendation is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us. More information for stakeholders can be found in appendix C of the UK NSC evidence review process.

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