What is bowel cancer screening - and why do you need it?

What is bowel cancer screening?

Bowel cancer screening is an NHS programme that looks for early signs of bowel cancer in people who do not have symptoms.

In the UK, this is done using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which checks for tiny amounts of blood in a stool sample. Blood is not always visible to the naked eye and can be an early sign of bowel cancer or pre-cancerous growths called polyps.

The test is completed at home and posted to a laboratory for analysis.

Can bowel screening prevent cancer?

Yes, in some cases. Bowel screening is designed to find bowel cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. However, it can also identify bowel polyps, which are small growths in the bowel lining.

Most polyps are harmless, but some can develop into cancer over time. If polyps are found during further investigations, they can often be removed before they become cancerous.

This means screening can both detect cancer early and help prevent it from developing.

Who is eligible for NHS bowel cancer screening?

In England, bowel cancer screening is offered every two years to people aged 50 to 74 who are registered with a GP.

NHS England completed the expansion of the programme to include everyone aged 50 and over in 2025.

If you are aged 75 or over, you will not automatically receive a test kit, but you can request one every two years.¹

Can I get screened earlier?

Some people may be eligible for earlier or more frequent screening if they are at higher risk. This may include those with:

• A strong family history of bowel cancer.

• Certain inherited genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome.

• Specific bowel conditions that increase cancer risk.

If you think you may be at higher risk, speak to your GP.

What happens during a bowel cancer screening?

Most people receive a FIT kit through the post.

Most people receive their results within a few weeks.

Does bowel screening hurt?

No. The FIT test is completely painless because it only requires a small stool sample collected at home.

Is the test embarrassing?

Some people feel awkward about handling a stool sample. However, the test only requires a very small amount of poo and is completed privately in your own home. Many people find it much easier than they expected.

Can piles affect the result?

Yes. Piles (haemorrhoids) can sometimes cause small amounts of bleeding, which may lead to an abnormal result. However, it is still important to complete the test. If blood is detected, further investigations can help identify the cause.

What if I make a mistake?

Don't panic. The test kit includes detailed instructions. If you are unsure whether you completed it correctly, or you accidentally damage the kit, you can contact the bowel screening helpline and request advice or a replacement kit.

What do your results mean?

Most people receive a normal result, which means no significant amount of blood was found in their sample. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have cancer.

Blood can appear in stool samples for several reasons, including polyps, inflammation, or piles. If blood is detected, you may be invited for further tests, such as a colonoscopy, to investigate the cause.

A colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the inside of the bowel and, if necessary, remove polyps or take tissue samples for testing.

Should you attend screening even if you feel healthy?

Yes. Most people diagnosed through bowel screening have no symptoms at all. That is exactly why screening exists.

Bowel cancer is often easier to treat when it is found early. Waiting until symptoms appear can reduce the chances of detecting cancer at its earliest stage.

Even if you feel fit and well, completing your FIT kit when invited could help identify a problem before it causes symptoms.

What symptoms shouldn't wait for screening?

Screening is for people without symptoms. If you have symptoms, do not wait for your next screening invitation.

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Summary

• Bowel cancer screening helps detect bowel cancer before symptoms develop.

• The NHS bowel screening programme in England is offered every two years to people aged 50 to 74.

• The FIT test is completed at home using a small stool sample.

• The test is quick, private and does not hurt.

• Screening can identify polyps that may later develop into cancer.

• An abnormal result does not automatically mean cancer.

• Piles can sometimes affect test results, but screening should still be completed.

• People at higher risk of bowel cancer may be eligible for earlier screening.

• Do not wait for screening if you have symptoms such as blood in your poo or a persistent change in bowel habits.

• Returning your FIT kit when invited is one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term health.