Bowel Cancer Screening and Early Detection
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Screening can help detect bowel cancer at an early stage, often before any symptoms develop, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Bowel cancer screening – NHS.
At St Katharine Docks Practice, we encourage all eligible patients to take part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
What is Bowel Cancer Screening?
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme uses a simple home test called a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
The test checks for tiny amounts of blood in a small sample of poo, which may be a sign of bowel cancer or bowel polyps. Polyps are not cancer but can develop into cancer over time. Your guide to NHS bowel cancer screening
The test can be completed in the privacy of your own home and returned by post.
Who is Eligible?
In England, bowel cancer screening is offered every two years to people aged 50 to 74 who are registered with a GP. Eligible patients automatically receive a FIT kit through the post. Bowel cancer screening - NHS
If you are aged 75 or over, you can still request a screening kit every two years by calling the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Helpline. Bowel cancer screening – NHS.
Why is Screening Important?
Screening helps to:
- Detect bowel cancer at an early stage
- Identify bowel polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous
- Improve treatment outcomes
- Reduce the risk of dying from bowel cancer
Many people diagnosed through screening have no symptoms at all. Your guide to NHS bowel cancer screening
How to Complete the FIT Test
Your screening kit will contain:
- Step-by-step instructions
- A sample collection device
- A prepaid envelope for returning the sample
The test only requires a very small sample and usually takes just a few minutes to complete. Full instructions are included with the kit. Bowel cancer screening - NHS
Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Even if you have recently completed a screening test, you should contact the practice if you experience:
- Blood in your poo
- Persistent changes in your bowel habit
- Ongoing diarrhoea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
- Unusual tiredness or symptoms of anaemia
Do not wait for your next screening invitation if you develop symptoms. Please contact the practice promptly. This is a recommendation based on NHS guidance that screening is intended for people without symptoms. Bowel cancer screening - NHS
If Your Result Shows Blood
Most people who complete a FIT test will not need any further investigations.
If blood is found in your sample, this does not necessarily mean you have bowel cancer. You may be offered further tests, such as a colonoscopy, to identify the cause. Your guide to NHS bowel cancer screening
How Your GP Practice Can Help
We can:
- Answer questions about bowel cancer screening
- Update your contact details to ensure screening invitations reach you
- Discuss bowel symptoms or concerns
- Support patients who need help understanding or completing the FIT kit
- Arrange appropriate investigations if symptoms develop
Useful Resources
NHS Bowel Cancer Screening
Find out more about NHS Bowel Cancer Screening
NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Helpline
Telephone: 0800 707 6060
For replacement kits, help with screening invitations, or requests for screening if you are over 75. Bowel cancer screening - NHS
Bowel Cancer UK
Visit Bowel Cancer UK for additional information, advice and patient support.
Need Help?
If you have received a bowel screening kit and are unsure how to complete it, or if you have any symptoms that concern you, please contact St Katharine Docks Practice. We are here to help and support you.
Taking part in bowel cancer screening could save your life. When your FIT kit arrives, please complete and return it as soon as possible