England is lowering bowel cancer screening blood threshold to catch more early cases starting next month.

Beginning next month, NHS England will reduce the threshold for its bowel cancer screening test from 120 to 80 micrograms of blood per gram of stool in order to identify more precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers. This modification, which will be implemented nationwide by 2028, is anticipated to save £32 million annually, prevent about 6% more late-stage diagnoses, and identify 600 more cases of bowel cancer each year. In line with Scotland and Wales, the change will increase colonoscopies by approximately 34,000 annually and enhance early detection, increasing survival rates. The current 68% participation rate will be raised with the aid of a new digital alert system. The higher threshold will remain in place in Northern Ireland.