Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel cancer screening is offered to everyone aged 54-74 years and is a test kit that you can do at home that checks for signs of bowel cancer. It is offered every 2 years, and the home test kit is automatically sent out through the post if you are registered with a GP and within this age group. It will soon be available for everyone aged 50-74 years, so you may be sent a home test kit now if you’re aged 50 or over.

If you’re aged 75 years or over, you can ask for a home test kit every 2 years by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.

It is your choice if you want to have bowel cancer screening. Screening does not stop you getting bowel cancer, but it is the best way to find cancer at an early stage.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. This screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for blood in a sample of your poo that could potentially be a sign of bowel cancer. Once you have collected the sample at home, you send it off by post to be tested. It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it’s easier to treat.

You will usually get the results of your bowel cancer screening within 2 weeks after sending it off, however sometimes it may take slightly longer. You will receive the results via letter. Results may advise no further tests needed - this means there was no signs of blood in your poo and you do not need to do anything else. You may be advised further tests needed - this means blood was found in your poo and needs to be investigated. This result does not always mean cancer, there are other causes for blood in your poo.

It is important to know the symptoms of bowel cancer and to see your GP if you have symptoms you’re worried about.