Screening for bowel cancer in NI now begins at 59-years - PHA urging people to take up the offer

As screening will now begin at age 59, and in line with recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee, the age to start screening will continue to be gradually lowered to 50 by the end of March 2031 in Northern Ireland.

The appeal comes after the death of 34-year-old Olympian Ciara Mageean, from Portaferry, Co Down from bowel cancer.

In 2025 she revealed she had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, with a likely terminal prognosis.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “The extension of the bowel cancer screening age range is a significant step towards improving public health outcomes. By lowering the screening age, we aim to catch bowel cancer earlier, ultimately helping to save lives and enhancing treatment success rates.

“In Northern Ireland we will gradually lower the starting age for screening from 60 to 50, starting in November 2026 with individuals aged 59.

"As the programme moves down the age groups, eligible people will receive their test kit in the post, along with an information leaflet explaining how to take the test and return the sample, and wider information about bowel screening to help them decide if they want to take part.

"Bowel cancer screening is aimed at individuals who do not have any bowel symptoms. The screening test looks for tiny amounts of blood within a small sample of a bowel motion, which would usually not be visible to people.

"If this is identified through the screening test, further tests are recommended to investigate this. The screening test does not tell you if you have bowel cancer, but can identify people who may need further tests.

“However, screening can only work if people take up the offer, so if you receive a kit, please complete and return it.”

Bowel cancer screening can also identify early changes in the bowel wall before they develop into cancer. If these changes, known as polyps, are identified they can be removed at screening assessment.

Those eligible will receive a screening test kit in the post.

Completed test kits can be returned for free. Those who are eligible or become eligible for screening will be invited through the GP system, so everyone is encouraged to ensure that their details are up to date with their GP practice.

Dr McClean added: “We understand some people may feel embarrassed talking about poo or completing the test but we would urge you not to let this stop you.

"Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers identified in both men and women and is also the second most common cause of cancer death among people in Northern Ireland, so it is important to normalise these issues.

"It is also extremely important for everyone, no matter what age, to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and to contact your GP if you recognise any symptoms, even if you’ve recently taken part in bowel screening.”

People who are aged 59 on 2 November 2026, or who have turned 59 in 2026 will be invited to take part in bowel screening between November 2026 and March 2027.

Please wait for your invite to be issued as the invitations need to be issued across this time period to avoid overwhelming the laboratory and hospital services if further investigations are recommended. People turning 59 after this date will be invited as part of the rollout.

Possible symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

• blood in your poo;
• looser poo;
• pooing more often and/or constipation;
• a pain or lump in your tummy;
• feeling more tired than usual for some time;
• losing weight for no obvious reason.

If you experience any of these symptoms you should contact your GP.

Dr McClean added “There can sometimes be embarrassment when talking about these issues, but it is always best to get any of these symptoms checked out with your doctor.

"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: “I am delighted that the screening age for bowel cancer has started to reduce for people right across Northern Ireland, starting with those aged 59.

"In September I announced a major expansion of the bowel cancer screening programme, and by 2031, this will have been extended to all people aged 50 to 59, meaning everyone aged 50 to 74 will be eligible for bowel cancer screening.

“This expansion will detect bowel cancer earlier, improving treatment outcomes and will help save lives. I want to thank all the staff across the Health Service whose hard work and dedication has made this possible.

“I strongly encourage everyone who receives a screening kit to take part. Bowel cancer screening helps save lives."

Steps you can take to reduce the risk of bowel cancer:

• Eat a diet high in fibre and exercise regularly. Visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com for more information on simple steps on getting active and healthier food choices that can help maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Get to know your alcohol units and keep within safer limits. Advice on this can be found at www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info
• Stop smoking. Visit www.StopSmokingNI.info for tips on helping you to quit and information on free local support services available

For more information about cancer signs and symptoms visit www.BeCancerAwareNI.info

For more information about bowel cancer screening visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/bowel-cancer-screening