Bowel Cancer Screening

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Bowel cancer screening is offered to people aged 60 to 74 to check for bowel cancer. Screening can help detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective. Screening can also check for and remove polyps which can go on to develop into cancer over time.

WHAT IS A SCREENING TEST?

You will receive information with the bowel screening test to help you decide if you wish to take part.

There is strong evidence that screening programmes help to improve cancer outcomes by detecting cancers early, however taking part is a personal choice.

The information leaflet with the bowel screening test notes the possible benefits and risks of screening to help you with this decision.

Follow the instructions in the instruction leaflet that comes with your screening invitation on how to take the test. 

You can view the information leaflet and watch an animated video on how to complete the bowel cancer screening test at the links below.

Post your completed test kit to the screening laboratory in the pre-paid envelope included as soon as possible. Make sure you seal the envelope before putting it in the post box.

Delays in returning your kit may prevent the sample from being processed.

You should receive your results within two weeks.

If you have any questions about bowel cancer screening,  contact the Bowel Cancer Screening freephone helpline on 0800 015 2514. 

You can contact the helpline to request a replacement screening test or return envelope.

Do not contact your GP practice for a replacement screening test or send a screening test to your GP practice.

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR GP

If you have a family history of bowel cancer, or are worried about symptoms of bowel cancer, or changes in your bowel movements, you should speak to your GP.

Symptoms may include:

  • unexplained bleeding/ blood in your stools
  • a change in bowel habit
  • pain or swelling in your abdomen
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unexplained tiredness

Bowel cancer screening is not a test for symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, you should speak with your GP who can provide a different test.

This is important, even if you have recently taken part in bowel cancer screening.

MORE USEFUL LINKS