Bowel cancer screening
Bowel screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74 across Scotland to help find bowel cancer early, when it can often be cured. You’ll receive a bowel screening kit through the post every two years.
If you’re 75 or over you can still take a test if you want to, however, you won’t automatically be sent a kit. Instead you’ll need to request one by calling the Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline on 0800 0121 833 or completing a request online.
Doing the bowel screening test is a personal choice. Half a million people in Scotland do their bowel screening test each year and it is the easiest way to be the early bird when it comes to cancer.
The bowel screening test can pick up changes in your bowel before you have any symptoms. It can help spot cancers at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. 9 out of 10 people survive bowel cancer if it’s found and treated early.
expands the full quotation and moves focus to the start of the 2nd paragraph, so you can continue to read the full quoteBowel cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages but screening can find it. A simple home test can spot hidden blood in your poo, which might be an early sign. Finding bowel cancer early means that treatment is more likely to work and could save your life.
Bowel screening involves taking a simple test at home every 2 years. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, as this could mean a higher chance of bowel cancer.
The aim of the test is to find:
- Bowel cancer at an early stage in people with no symptoms.
- Other changes in the bowel, such as pre-cancerous growths called ‘polyps’.
Most bowel polyps can be removed easily, which can prevent cancer from developing.
Test kit sent to you address
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a free test kit to your home address. This is the address you used to register with your GP practice. If you’ve moved house, you should register with a new GP practice as soon as possible so that you don’t miss your screening invitation.
Simple to do
To take the test all you have to do is put one sample of poo onto a special stick and then close the test and send it away by freepost. It’s quick and simple and could save your life. After returning the test, the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre will send you the results within two weeks. Most people will be told that they don’t need any further investigation. If this happens, you’ll be sent another test every two years until you turn 75.
Further instructions on how to do the test can be found here.
If you have made a mistake or misplaced your screening test don’t worry, you can request a replacement simply by calling the Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline on 0800 0121 833 or by completing this online form.
Find out how to complete your home test with this short video.
For translated material or information in alternative formats, visit nhsinform.scot.
Real stories
Over the years that have elapsed since my cancer operation I have looked at life differently and now prioritise those things that really matter. I don’t worry as much and enjoy each day. I’m more appreciative of family and friends and the time that we spend together. It’s true that you can’t buy happiness!
As well as doing your bowel screening test it’s also important to be aware of any changes to your bowel habits because cancer can develop between screening tests.
If you notice any unusual, persistent changes contact your GP practice. They want to hear from you.