NHS Bowel Screening Guides

Posted on May 27th, 2026

Bowel cancer screening is a test you do at home that checks for signs of bowel cancer. It’s offered to people aged 50 to 74.

Why bowel cancer screening is done?
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.

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.

Who bowel screening is for?
Bowel cancer screening is currently offered to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years. This is because your risk of getting bowel cancer gets higher as you get older.

You can also get screening for bowel cancer every 2 years if you’re aged 75 or over, but you need to call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 and ask for the test.

How to get a bowel cancer screening home test (FIT kit)
If you’re aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP, you’ll automatically get a bowel cancer screening home test kit (FIT kit) through the post every 2 years.

Depending on when you turned 50, you will be sent your first test at the age of either 50, 52 or 54.

If you’re aged 75 or over, you can call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 every 2 years to ask for the test.

Instructions on how to use the home test kit are available in English and 30 other languages. There is also a short animation explaining how to use the kit with subtitled versions in English, British Sign Language and other languages.

Your guide to NHS bowel cancer screening – GOV.UK
NHS Bowel Screening Easy Read Leaflet