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Bowel cancer self-screening tests will now be sent out to people aged between 51 and 54 in Wales.

The tests will, from Wednesday October 4, be automatically sent to people in this age group every two years in a bid to boost bowel cancer survival rates.

It comes as part of plans to lower the screening age to 50 by October 2024, and is being funded by the Welsh Government.

Almost nine out of ten people survive bowel cancer when it is detected and treated early on, according to Cancer Research UK.

Between 2018 and 2020, there were nearly 7,000 registered cases of bowel cancer in Wales.

Eluned Morgan, Wales’ health minister, urged people to use the tests and said: “Even in the early stages of bowel cancer, you may feel well.

“Screening is vital to detect cancers before symptoms show, and early detection and treatment drastically improve survival rates.”

The at-home testing kits were introduced by the Welsh Government in 2019, and have resulted in an improved screening uptake of 65% amongst people aged between 55 and 74.

Mrs Morgan continued: “Last year, we widened access to bowel cancer screening to those aged 55 to 57. This next phase will now extend screening to people aged between 51 and 54 and we plan to lower the age to 50 in 2024.

“Over the next two years we are also increasing the sensitivity of the test to make it even more effective at detecting cancer.”

She added: “Although it is reassuring to see good uptake rates of the screening test so far, around a third of people still don’t take up the offer. So, I would encourage everyone who is sent a kit to take the test as it could be life-saving.”

Public Health Wales’ Steve Court, who is head of Bowel Screening Wales, stressed the importance of early detection and said: “Bowel screening also detects and removes pre-cancerous polyps that if left in the bowel could develop into cancer.”

He continued: “The invitation and test kit will be arriving via post to those who are eligible over the next 12 months. The home test kit is easy to complete and to send to our laboratory for analysis.

“I would urge everyone who receives an invitation to take up their offer. It could save their life.”