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 currently offered to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years.
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 50 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.
Depending on when you turned 50, you will be sent your first test at the age of either 50, 52 or 54.
If you’re aged 75 or over, you can call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 every 2 years to ask for the test.
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.
If you think you’re eligible for bowel cancer screening but you’ve not been invited, or had your test kit, call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
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:
- Write the date on the sample bottle.
- 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.
- Open the sample bottle and remove the lid, which has a sample stick attached.
- Gently scrape the end of the sample stick along your poo until all the grooves are covered. Only a small amount is needed.
- Put the sample stick back into the sample bottle and close the lid tightly.
- Wash your hands.
- Check you’ve written the date you did the sample on the sample bottle.
- Put the sample bottle in the envelope included in your test kit and seal it.
- 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.