Bowel Cancer Screening
Regular bowel cancer screening has been shown to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by 16%
Some people with bowel cancer have the disease, or are at risk of it developing, before any symptoms appear. The screening programme is designed to find those people and treat them more effectively
The test is not compulsory but we do strongly advise that everyone who is invited takes part. The earlier bowel cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat
Who is eligible for screening?
If you are aged:
- 60-69 in England
- 60-74 in Wales
- 60-71 in Northern Ireland
- 50-74 in Scotland
And you are registered with a GP you are eligible for bowel cancer screening
These people will receive a letter, a leaflet explaining the test, and a home testing kit in the post
In some areas in England screening includes people up to 75 years old. People over the age of 70, regardless of where they live, can request a kit by calling 0800 707 6060
What does the bowel cancer screening test do?
The kit tests for faecal occult blood (blood hidden in poo). It does not diagnose cancer
If blood is found in the sample you will be invited for more tests. Blood in poo does not always mean cancer
For information about what symptoms can mean please contact our Information and Support Service on 0800 8 40 35 40
Find out more:
How to take the Bowel Cancer Screening Test
Bowel Cancer Screening in the UK