09/01/2026
🩻 BOWEL CANCER SCREENING 🔬
Bowel cancer screening is a test you do at home that checks for signs of bowel cancer. It's offered to everyone aged 50 to 74 years, every 2 years.
Why bowel cancer screening is done?
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Our risks for bowel cancer increase with age.
Bowel cancer screening uses a test called a faecal immuno-chemical 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.
What the results mean:-
A negative test, means there is no follow up at that time, you will be recalled again automatically in 2 years.
Remember, though if you develop any symptoms or changes, these should be reported.
***Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
• changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
• needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
• blood in your poo, which may look red or black
• bleeding from your bottom
• often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
• tummy pain
• a lump in your tummy
• bloating
• losing weight without trying
• feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer
A positive test result, will require further tests to exclude bowel cancer.
For more information visit:-
☎️ Advice on bowel cancer screening helpline: 0800 707 6060
*If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can use the Relay UK service to contact us. Dial 18001 then 0800 707 60 60 from your textphone or use the Relay UK app.
💻 Website: nhs.uk/bowel
Kind Regards,
Eyam & Bradwell Surgery.
