You will receive a bowel cancer screening kit (see image right) if you're aged between 60 and 74 years. Some people aged 56 are also being invited. This is because NHS England is slowly expanding this programme over the coming years. Eventually, people aged between 50 to 74 will be invited.
All men and women aged 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP in England are automatically sent a bowel cancer screening kit every two years. Make sure your GP has your correct address so your kit is posted to the right place.
If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
More information about Bowel cancer screening is available on the NHS website, including a video on the FIT Test which is available in translation.
If you notice any of the following symptoms please contact your GP and request a kit:
- A change in your normal bowel habit - such as needing to go for a poo more often, or feeling like you haven't emptied your bowels properly.
- Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo.
- Losing weight when you haven't been trying to.
- A pain or lump in your tummy.
- Feeling a lot more tired than usual.
- Feeling breathless.
What to expect from the Bowel Screening Programme
