Bowel cancer screening

Why bowel cancer screening is done

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.

Bowel cancer screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for blood in a sample of your poo. This could be a sign of bowel cancer.

You collect the sample at home and send it 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.

Who bowel screening is for

Bowel cancer screening is offered to everyone aged 54 to 74 every 2 years. It will soon be available for everyone aged 50 to 74 years old, so you may be sent a home test kit now if you’re aged 50 or over.

This is because your risk of getting bowel cancer gets higher as you get older.

You can also get screening for bowel cancer every 2 years if you’re aged 75 or over, but you need to call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 and ask for the test.

How to get a bowel cancer screening home test (FIT kit)

If you’re aged 54 to 74 and registered with a GP, you’ll automatically get a bowel cancer screening home test kit (FIT kit) through the post every 2 years.

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

If you do not have a permanent home address, you can ask your GP surgery for your test kit to be sent to the GP surgery or to another address.

It’s 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.

If you do not want to be invited for screening, call the bowel cancer screening helpline to be taken off the screening list. You can ask to be put back on the list any time if you change your mind.

How to do a bowel cancer screening home test (FIT kit)

You can do the bowel cancer screening test at home.

Your test kit (FIT kit) should include a sample bottle, an envelope, and instructions on how to do the test.

To do the FIT kit:

1. Write the date on the sample bottle.
2. Use a clean container to catch your poo. Do not let your poo touch the toilet water. This can be a bit difficult, and you may need to try a few times.
3. Open the sample bottle and remove the lid, which has a sample stick attached.
4. Gently scrape the end of the sample stick along your poo until all the grooves are covered. Only a small amount is needed.
5. Put the sample stick back into the sample bottle and close the lid tightly.
6. Wash your hands.
7. Check you’ve written the date you did the sample on the sample bottle.
8. Put the sample bottle in the envelope included in your test kit and seal it.
9. Post the envelope with your sample as soon as you can. Postage is free and you do not need a stamp.

Your poo sample will be tested to check if it contains blood. Having blood in your poo may be a sign of bowel cancer.

Getting the results of your bowel cancer screening home test

You’ll usually get the results of your bowel cancer screening home test (FIT kit) within 2 weeks after sending your poo sample. Sometimes it can take longer.

You will get a letter telling you the results.

Sometimes you may be asked to do the test again. This is usually to make sure the test has been done properly and gives the correct result.

If you do not get your results within 2 weeks, you can call the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.

What the results of a bowel cancer screening test mean

No further tests needed

If your result says no further tests are needed it means no blood was found in your poo. You do not need to do anything else.

Most people have this result.

You’ll automatically be offered bowel cancer screening again in 2 years if you’re aged between 54 and 74.

Further tests needed

If your result says you need further tests it means blood was found in your poo and needs to be investigated.

You’ll be invited to an appointment with a specialist nurse who will talk with you about your results, and what happens next. You’ll usually need to have a colonoscopy, which is where a camera is used to check inside your bowel.

If blood is found in your poo, it does not always mean you have cancer. There are more common and less serious causes of blood in your poo, such as an anal fissure or bowel polyps.

Help and support from the bowel cancer screening helpline

You can call the bowel cancer screening programme helpline on 0800 707 6060 for more information about bowel cancer screening, including:

• how to get a FIT kit
• how to use the FIT kit
• what to do if you’re unsure whether you can use a FIT kit, for example, if you’ve had bowel surgery or you have a stoma
• getting your FIT kit and screening information in alternative formats, including Braille and other languages

The helpline is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Calls are free of charge. You can also use Relay UK by dialling 18001 before the helpline number from a textphone, or use the Relay UK app.