OLDER people in South Gloucestershire are “putting their lives” at risk by not completing a postal bowel cancer screening test.

Just 58% of people complete the free test, which is sent every two years to people between the ages of 60 and 74, according to figures released by Public Health England.

Bowel Cancer UK, a leading research charity, are now urging people in South Gloucestershire to take part in the screening programme.

The test, which detects hidden blood in faeces, can be taken at home in private and comes with step by step instructions.

It is even sensitive enough to detect early stage bowel cancer in people who have no symptoms.

In 2018, England will replace the current screening test with a simpler and more accurate test that has the potential to detect more cancers.

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, wants to remind people that they are putting their "lives at risk" by not taking the test.

She said: “It’s predicted that even using the current test, the screening programme will save over 2,000 lives each year by 2025.

“I would encourage everyone who is over 60 to take the test, and for those who are younger to encourage their loved ones to complete it."

She added: “It could save yours or your loved ones life.”

It is estimated that nearly 3,500 people in the UK will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in April.

A further 1,300 people will die of the disease, which is “easy to treat” if caught early enough.

As a part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in April, Bowel Cancer UK are asking people to host a talk about the benefits of screening.

Visit the Bowel Cancer UK website here or email volunteer@bowelcanceruk.org for more information.