Test Everyone Over 30 for Bowel Cancer, Families Urge as Cases Skyrocket

Rising Cases of Bowel Cancer Among Younger Adults Spark Calls for Change

Bowel cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, prompting a growing number of campaigners to push for changes in screening policies. The disease, once predominantly associated with older individuals, is now being diagnosed more frequently in people under the age of 50. This shift has led to urgent calls for routine checks to be extended to younger populations.

A recent petition, initiated by a grieving mother, has gained significant support. The campaign urges the National Health Service (NHS) to lower the age for routine bowel cancer screening from 50 to 30. Within just one month, the petition has collected nearly 10,000 signatures, highlighting the public’s concern over the rising incidence of the disease among younger adults.

Cheryl, a 39-year-old mother, was one of the many who faced misdiagnosis due to her age. For years, she experienced persistent abdominal pain and bloating—symptoms that doctors repeatedly dismissed as unrelated to cancer. By the time she was finally diagnosed in October 2024, the cancer had already spread to her liver. She passed away a few months later, leaving behind a family devastated by the loss.

In the UK, bowel cancer remains a significant health issue, claiming nearly 17,000 lives annually. It is the fourth most common cancer in the country, with a sharp increase in cases among those under 50. Research shows that individuals born in 1990—now 35—are almost two-and-a-half times more likely to develop the disease than those born in 1950.

Margaret, a close friend of Cheryl, shared her heartbreak over the situation. “Cheryl was full of life and laughter, but because doctors thought she was too young to have cancer, she is no longer with us,” she said. “I will never forget when the doctor gave her the diagnosis and said, ‘If I did not know your age, I would think this is a scan of an 80-year-old.’ It is heartbreaking and unfair that she was dismissed by doctors.”

Dame Deborah James, a prominent advocate for bowel cancer research, played a key role in raising awareness about the disease. She passed away at the age of 40 after raising over £11 million for cancer research. Diagnosed in 2016 at the age of 35, she initially faced dismissive responses from medical professionals, who attributed her symptoms to stress or irritable bowel syndrome.

The current national screening programme, introduced in 2006, was designed to prevent around 1,200 deaths each year. However, with more than 2,600 people diagnosed before reaching the screening age, experts argue that the system needs urgent reform. Professor Sir Neil Mortensen, a leading bowel cancer expert, acknowledges the rise in cases among under-50s but cautions that the numbers are still relatively low. He suggests that people under 50 should be given the option to request a test, especially if they have a family history of the disease.

Gemma Savory, a bowel cancer survivor, supports the expansion of screening options. At 35, she began experiencing severe stomach pain and unexplained weight loss. Despite a family history of the disease, GPs reassured her she was “too young” to have cancer. It wasn’t until she was referred to hospital with vaginal bleeding that she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer. The disease has since returned three times, and while she is currently in remission, she faces ongoing health challenges, including kidney failure and a blood disorder.

“The money being spent on keeping me alive could have been saved with a simple screening test,” said Ms. Savory. Early detection is crucial, as more than 90% of people whose bowel cancer is caught early will live at least five years.

Critics argue that testing people in their 30s may not be cost-effective, given the relatively low incidence of the disease in this age group. There are also concerns about over-diagnosis and the anxiety it can cause, along with potential complications from unnecessary procedures. However, experts agree that there is growing concern about young people being diagnosed at advanced stages.

Sir Neil emphasizes that bowel cancer is still widely perceived as a disease of older adults, which is not the case. He encourages younger individuals to be aware of the common symptoms, such as changes in toilet habits, blood in the stool, or a persistent feeling of needing to go even after using the restroom.

As the debate over screening policies continues, the voices of those affected by the disease are becoming louder. With more cases emerging among younger adults, the call for change is gaining momentum.