--- title: "Bowel cancer screening: What to Expect | HealthAnswers" description: "Bowel cancer screening uses a home FIT kit to detect hidden blood in poo; it is offered every 2 years in England and a positive result leads to…" url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/bowel-cancer-screening/ robots: noindex --- # Bowel cancer screening: What to Expect | HealthAnswers Tests & investigations Bowel cancer screening uses a home FIT kit to detect hidden blood in poo; it is offered every 2 years in England and a positive result leads to colonoscopy. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is bowel cancer screening? Bowel cancer screening is an NHS programme that uses a home FIT kit to detect hidden blood in your poo. It is offered every 2 years to people aged 60 to 74 in England, with the range expanding to include those aged 56 and over. A positive result leads to a colonoscopy. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Bowel cancer screening, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about the bowel cancer screening - The FIT kit is posted to the homes of eligible people. - It detects blood in poo that is invisible to the naked eye. - A positive FIT result leads to a colonoscopy to find the cause. - Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. - Report bowel symptoms even after a recent negative FIT result. ## What bowel cancer screening is for Bowel cancer screening aims to find cancer at an early stage, or to prevent it by identifying polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. The FIT kit has replaced the older gFOBT test used in previous years. ## How to complete the FIT kit The FIT kit is a simple test you complete at home, usually needing just one sample of poo. Return it promptly so it can be processed, following the instructions provided in the pack. ## What happens if you need a colonoscopy If you need further investigation, a colonoscopy examines the whole colon, usually with the help of sedation. Any polyps that are found can often be removed during the same procedure. ## Why symptoms still matter after screening Do not ignore symptoms such as rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss, even if you have recently taken part in screening. Screening is designed for people without symptoms, so anything new should always be checked by a GP. ## ! When to speak to a doctor about the bowel cancer screening Complete the kit when it arrives in the post. See a GP if you have bowel symptoms such as blood in your poo or a change in your bowel habits, regardless of your screening result. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about the bowel cancer screening How do I use a FIT kit? You collect a small sample of poo on the stick provided and post it back in the prepaid envelope. Full instructions are included with the kit to guide you through each step. What does a positive bowel cancer screening result mean? A positive result means blood was detected in your sample, but this does not necessarily mean you have cancer. You will be offered a colonoscopy to look for the cause. What should I do if I have symptoms but a negative FIT result? See your GP, because screening does not detect every bowel cancer. Any new or persistent symptoms need to be assessed on their own, even if your most recent FIT result was negative. Who is eligible for bowel cancer screening? People aged 60 to 74 in England are invited every 2 years, and the age range is being expanded to include people aged 56 and over. Because the exact ages invited are changing, check the NHS website for the current eligibility range in your area. ## Sources - [NHS — Bowel Cancer Screening](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening) - [NHS — Bowel Cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer)