The bowel cancer screening programme

What is screening for bowel cancer?
Screening is designed to look for evidence of disease in healthy individuals with no known symptoms. The aim is to detect disease at an early stage when there is a better chance of successful treatment. Screening for bowel cancer is not a diagnostic test. Abnormal results may show that the person is at risk of disease. 

How is screening done?
The first step is a faecal occult blood test (FOBt) that people can complete at home and return by post. Any abnormal results will then be followed up with an appointment at a screening centre where the patient will be assessed by a specialist screening practitioner for a possible colonoscopy.

Who is the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme open to?
• Men and women aged 60 to 69 years. People aged 70 years or over can request screening
• Screening is offered every two years to the eligible population

Where can I get more information?
The NHS bowel cancer screening programme website has an information leaflet about bowel cancer screening, available in a variety of languages.