New lower threshold for bowel cancer screening test to launch in Cornwall in early 2026

Cornwall will be among the first areas in England to introduce a new, lower threshold for the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) as part of the national bowel cancer screening programme. This important change, starting in February 2026, aims to detect more cancers earlier and save lives. 

Currently, only 68% of people complete the test when they receive a kit. Early diagnosis saves lives, nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage, but survival drops significantly as the disease progresses. By lowering the testing threshold, more cases of bowel cancer and pre-cancerous changes will be picked up sooner, when treatment is most effective. 

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 people diagnosed every year. 94% of cases occur in people over 50, but it can affect anyone. Over 2,600 cases are diagnosed in under-50s annually. 1 in 17 men and 1 in 20 women will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime. 

The national screening programme has already helped reduce deaths since the 1970s, thanks to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. Despite improvements, 16,800 people still die from bowel cancer each year, but the new threshold is another positive step forward in reducing this number.  

Take the test – it could save your life. If you receive a screening kit, please use it. It’s quick, simple, and done at home. If you have symptoms at any age, speak to your GP about getting tested. 

Symptoms to watch for include: 

• Persistent changes in bowel habits 

• Blood in your poo 

• Unexplained weight loss 

• Abdominal pain or discomfort 

Dr James Bebb, Clinical Director Cornwall Bowel Cancer Screening Programme said “As a result of the lowering of the FIT bowel screening test threshold we expect to diagnose a 30-35% increase in screen detected bowel cancer in Cornwall. Screen detected cancers have a much better outcome and cure rate so we would encourage everyone to return the test.” 

Cornwall is proud to lead the way in this life-saving initiative. Together, we can catch more cancers earlier and reduce the impact of bowel cancer in our communities.