Colonoscopy Age Extension Expands to 56

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a test to check inside your bowels. This test can help find what's causing your bowel problems. The age you will be invited for a colonoscopy will depend on which variant of Lynch syndrome you have.

Expanding the Age Range

The NHS is gradually expanding the age range of the service to include individuals between the ages of 50 and 74. This is to increase the chances of detecting bowel cancer early on and improving the chances of successful treatment.

We are also increasing the sensitivity of the FIT (faecal immunochemical test) to make sure as many people as possible are offered the chance to take part in screening.

We offer screening every 2 years between the ages of 60 and 74. We are gradually extending this age range and people aged 56 are now being invited.