Bowel Screening Wales
Bowel Screening Wales
Bowel screening aims to find cancer at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Early detection is key. At least 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it’s found and treated early. The test kit is designed to measure how much blood is in your poo and can be completed at home. Once you have sent your test your results will be back with you within two weeks. People aged between 55 and 74, and who are living in Wales are invited to take the test every two years.
If you are aged 55-57, you do not need to contact Bowel Screening Wales to request a test kit. You will automatically be invited between October 2022 and September 2023.
What is bowel screening?
Bowel screening looks for bowel cancer before symptoms show. At least 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it is found and treated early. Bowel screening aims to find cancer at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective.
Bowel screening involves completing a home test kit. The screening test looks for hidden blood in your poo.
People aged between 55 and 74 years old registered with a doctor in Wales will be offered bowel screening every 2 years.
Bowl Screening FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Wales. Over 2,200 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed every year in Wales.
Bowel cancer is more common as you get older. Most cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed in people over the age of 50.
Bowel cancer affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum. It is also known as colorectal cancer.
The cells in your body usually divide and grow in a controlled way. When cancer develops, the cells change and can grow in an uncontrolled way.
Most bowel cancers develop from polyps. A polyp is a small growth on the lining of the bowel. Not all polyps develop into cancer. If polyps are found, they can be removed to stop them developing into cancer.
To find out more, visit:
Bowel cancer - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Bowel Cancer | Bowel Cancer UK
Information Resources
- Community Training and Education