66 A scoping review published in Preventive Medicine Reports highlights the effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at increasing bowel cancer awareness and screening participation across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The research identified strategies that could address low participation rates, particularly through the use of lay community health educators and targeted materials. Despite advances in bowel cancer treatment, early detection remains crucial. The disease, often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and physical inactivity, has a significantly higher survival rate when caught early. However, screening uptake remains suboptimal in many OECD countries, with figures below 50% in some regions. The review underscores the need for innovative approaches to bridge this gap and ensure early intervention. One promising strategy involves lay community health educators who engage directly with communities. These educators, often embedded within the population they serve, provide personalised counselling sessions that have shown notable success in improving awareness and screening uptake. Brochures, when combined with such education, have proven particularly effective, suggesting that a multi-modal approach can amplify results. Mass media campaigns also demonstrate potential, particularly when run multiple times throughout the year. While these campaigns boost short-term screening rates, their impact diminishes over time, indicating the importance of sustained efforts. The review highlights that fear-based messaging can be more effective than humour-driven approaches, particularly when aiming to motivate individuals who are hesitant to screen. Interestingly, community-driven interventions, such as culturally tailored workshops and even creative methods like theatre performances, have also yielded positive results. These approaches not only educate but also foster a supportive environment that encourages participants to take action. While these findings offer a roadmap for enhancing bowel cancer screening rates, challenges persist. Barriers such as fear of the procedure, misunderstanding of the benefits, and logistical issues like accessing screening kits need to be addressed. The review recommends embedding education within existing healthcare frameworks and ensuring accessible resources to maximise participation. As OECD nations strive to reduce the burden of bowel cancer, leveraging these findings could significantly improve outcomes. By adopting a combination of lay-led education, strategic media use, and culturally sensitive approaches, health systems can better support their populations in taking proactive steps towards early detection.