Bowel cancer screening (home poo test)
What is the screening test?
Bowel screening is a free NHS test in England. It uses a small home kit called a FIT kit (faecal immunochemical test). The test looks for tiny traces of blood in your poo that you cannot see.
Why is it done?
It can find signs of bowel cancer early, before you feel unwell. Tiny traces of blood can have many causes, but bowel screening can help find bowel cancer earlier, when treatment is more likely to work. It can also help find polyps (small growths), some polyps can turn into cancer over time.
Who can do it?
If you are registered with a GP in England and aged 50 to 74, the NHS automatically posts you a kit every 2 years.
If you are 75 or over, you can still ask for a kit.
Why should I take part?
Most people get a normal result. If something is found, the NHS can check sooner. Finding problems early can mean simpler treatment.
How to do the bowel screening test (home poo test)
The bowel screening test is done at home. It is quick and simple.
What you need
You will get a kit in the post. Inside is:
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a small tube with a stick inside
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clear instructions
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a freepost envelope
You do not need to change what you eat or drink.
Step by step
1. Do a poo
Use the toilet as normal. Try not to let the poo touch the water. Suggestions for this include putting a thick layer of tissue paper to catch the poo before it hits the water or putting an empty egg carton in the toilet to catch the poo.
2. Take a small sample
Use the small stick from the tube to lightly scrape the poo. You only need a tiny amount.
3. Put the stick back in the tube
Put the stick back into the tube and twist the lid shut until it clicks.
4. Post it back
Put the tube into the freepost envelope and post it. There is no stamp needed.
Important to know
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The test looks for tiny traces of blood you cannot see
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Even if your result is normal, do not ignore symptoms that do not go away
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Always speak to your GP practice if something does not feel right
If you did not get a kit
If you think you should have had a kit, or you lost it, you can:
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Contact the NHS bowel screening programme by calling 0800 707 6060
You usually get a letter with your result within 2 weeks (sometimes longer).
If your results are normal: Most people are told no further tests needed right now and you will be screened again in 2 years.
If your result is not normal: this does not mean you have cancer. It means you may be offered a follow-up appointment and another test to look inside your bowel (often a colonoscopy).
If you receive a diagnosis: A specialist team will explain what it means.You may have more tests to check what is happening.You will be offered the right treatment and support for you.
