Bowel cancer screening can save lives. Screening aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage, when treatment has the best chance of working. The test can also find polyps (non-cancerous growths), which might develop into cancer. Polyps can usually be removed, to lower the risk of bowel cancer.
What is bowel cancer screening?
Each of the bowel cancer screening programmes in the UK use home tests called the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). FIT looks for hidden blood in poo. If you’re registered with a GP and within the eligible screening age range, a test will be automatically posted to you, so you can complete it in the privacy of your own home.
In England from April 2021, the NHS in England will gradually reduce the age range for bowel screening. This will be phased over the next four years to include people aged 50-5
Faecal immunochemical test (FIT)
The bowel screening programmes across the UK uses a test called a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
The test has a stick attached to the lid. This is used to take one small poo sample and then placed back into the tube.
You will be given a self-sealing, freepost envelope to send the test back to the screening centre. Full instructions and a detailed information leaflet will be sent to you with your invitation and test.
