Why bowel cancer screening is done
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. 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.
Bowel cancer screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical 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.
The NHS has created a webpage about bowel cancer screening, including why it’s done, who it’s for, how to do the test, and when you’ll get your results.