Petition · Department of Health and Social Care
Fund annual cancer screening at 40 for adults with Down syndrome & LD
Open for signatures
19 signatures
What the petition asks
Fund an annual cancer screening programme for adults aged 40 and over who have Down syndrome or severe learning difficulties. This should include appropriate tests based on clinical risk, proactive NHS recall, and reasonable adjustments to ensure full accessibility.
Adults with Down syndrome and severe learning difficulties face major barriers to early cancer detection. Higher pain thresholds, atypical symptoms, and communication challenges mean signs are often missed. Diagnostic overshadowing and inconsistent health checks delay diagnosis. Annual screening from age 40 could support earlier detection, fair access, and better outcomes.
Timeline
| 27 May 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
19
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
27 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.