Public Health Minister Maree Todd has urged the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) to review the recommended age threshold for bowel cancer screening, following a concerning rise in cases among younger adults in Scotland.
The request fulfils a 100-day commitment by the Scottish Government and comes amid growing evidence that colorectal cancer diagnoses are increasing in those under the age of 50.
Currently, bowel cancer screening is routinely offered every two years to individuals aged between 50 and 74 under UK NSC guidelines. However, new data has prompted calls for the eligibility criteria to be reconsidered.
Research published by Public Health Scotland in September 2025 revealed a significant increase in bowel cancer rates among under-50s between 2013 and 2023. The findings have heightened concern among clinicians, researchers and public health professionals about a shifting risk profile in younger populations.
Ms Todd said the Scottish Government is prepared to take further action if necessary. “We have already committed that, if the UK NSC does not agree to a review, we will establish a pilot in Scotland to trial bowel cancer screening in younger people,” she said.
She added: “Research from Public Health Scotland in September 2025 showed a significant increase in the rate of bowel cancer among those under 50 between 2013 and 2023 in Scotland, and I share the concerns among clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals regarding this upward trend among younger adults.
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“Earlier detection of bowel cancer is strongly associated with improved outcomes, and I would welcome a review by the UK NSC to determine whether the evidence would support extending bowel screening to younger age groups in order to improve outcomes and achieve public health benefits for the population.”
The move reflects a wider international conversation about whether screening programmes should be adapted in response to changing epidemiological trends, particularly as early-onset colorectal cancer becomes more prevalent.
A decision from the UK NSC on whether to review the current age threshold is now awaited.
