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Bowel Cancer: Health Services

Asked by Andrew RosindellReform UKDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 28 February 2025UIN 30975

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to work with relevant authorities to reduce bowel cancer deaths in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

The National Health Service in England has been gradually reducing the age for bowel screening from 60 years old down to 50 years old, since 2021/22. The extension to 50 years old is expected to be completed by 31 March 2025.

We will improve NHS cancer waiting time performance across the country, so that patients, including those with bowel cancer, are diagnosed and treated faster. The NHS is prioritising the roll-out of additional diagnostic capacity, delivering the final year of the three-year investment plan for establishing community diagnostic centres, with capacity prioritised for cancer diagnostics.

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