Potentially life-saving cancer checks are being extended at a Norfolk hospital.
Bowel cancer screening has doubled at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and now includes people aged between 50 and 59.
It is part of a national drive which aims to offer screening to everyone aged 50 to 74 every two years.
In a letter congratulating the hospital, NHS England officials say it has had an impact on detecting more people who have cancer.
Dr Aliko Ahmed, Regional Director of Public Health with NHS England, said: “We know it has not been an easy process. The hospital’s Bowel Cancer Screening Team, and their colleagues in Endoscopy, Pathology, Radiology and others have worked incredibly hard to generate additional capacity.
“We are delighted to see the impact of the age extension programme. Cancers and pre-cancerous lesions are being identified in younger people without symptoms.”
