Date published:30 September 2026
Thousands more people in Northern Ireland will be invited for potentially life-saving bowel cancer screening after Health Minister Robbie Butler announced a major From 2 November 2026, the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme will begin extending invitations to people aged 59, with 58-year-olds joining the programme from April 2027. The phased rollout will continue until everyone aged 50 to 74 is eligible by 2031. The expansion is designed to detect bowel cancer earlier, improving treatment outcomes and helping to save lives. Professor Lourda Geoghegan, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “This is a landmark step for bowel cancer screening in Northern Ireland. “Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers we face, with “Once fully implemented, the programme will invite an additional 135,000 people every year, increasing participation by around 80% compared with current screening levels. “A phased rollout will ensure screening, diagnostic and treatment services can manage the increased demand while maintaining high standards of care.” Anyone who experiences symptoms should not wait for a screening invitation and should contact their GP. Screening is intended for people without symptoms, and different tests are used to investigate those who have signs of bowel cancer. Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted that the Department of Health in Northern Ireland has funded the phased extension of bowel cancer screening to people aged 50–74. This is a significant step towards improving bowel cancer survival in Northern Ireland. It will give thousands more people the opportunity to take part in screening, helping to find more cancers earlier when the disease is easier to treat and the chances of survival are higher. We look forward to seeing the programme being rolled out as quickly and safely as possible.” 1. Symptoms of bowel cancer may include: 2. Link to Bowel Cancer charities – Cancer Research UK –Notes to editors:
