The NHS has issued an important reminder about a simple test that can detect signs of a deadly disease
The NHS has urged people to carry out an important cancer test, saying “don’t put it off”. This simple screening can detect signs of a deadly disease before other symptoms appear.
In a post made to X, the health body issued a reminder about bowel cancer screening kits. These are offered to everyone between the ages of 50 to 74.
It requires people to collect a sample of faeces at home and post it off for testing. The NHS explained: “The NHS bowel cancer screening kit can detect signs of cancer before you notice anything is wrong.
“If you’re sent a bowel cancer screening kit, put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.”
On its website, the NHS notes that bowel cancer is “one of the most common” cancers in the UK. Statistics from Cancer Research UK show there are around 44,100 new bowel cancer cases in the UK every year.
It is also linked to 16,800 deaths every year, making it the second most deadly form of the disease. Part of what makes it so dangerous is the fact it often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages.
This means a person might not get diagnosed until the disease is quite advanced. Regarding the test, the NHS says: “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.”
Bowel cancer screening is currently offered to everyone aged 50 to 74 every two years. The NHS says this is because your risk of getting bowel cancer “gets higher” as you get older.
You can also get screening for bowel cancer every two 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. However, new research has shown that cases of bowel cancer are increasing among people under the age of 50.
Therefore, if you spot any symptoms, regardless of your age, you need to speak to your GP.
How to get a bowel cancer screening test
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 two years. If you’re aged 75 or over, you can ask for a home test kit every 2 years by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
If you do not have a permanent home address, you can ask your GP surgery for your test kit to be sent to the GP surgery or to another address.
If you think you’re eligible for bowel cancer screening but you’ve not been invited, or had your test kit, call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer
You should see your GP if you have any symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more.