What does the screening test look for?
- The screening test looks for hidden blood in your poo.
- Blood in your poo can be a sign of bowel cancer or of other changes such as polyps (small growths).
- Most polyps are harmless but some can lead to bowel cancer. Most polyps can be easily removed.
- Sometimes the blood can be there because a polyp has bled.
- There may also be other reasons for the blood, such as haemorrhoids (piles) or small tears in the bowel.
- The test kit does not tell you if you have bowel cancer. The results will tell you if you need further tests such as a colonoscopy (a camera inserted into your bottom).
What you need to know
- Taking part in bowel screening is your choice.
- Bowel screening is not 100% accurate.
- Screening will miss some cancers and some cancers cannot be cured.
What happens next?
- We will post your results within two weeks.
- Most people will have a result that does not need further tests.
- If we find blood in your sample, we will refer you for an assessment with a screening nurse.
- We will offer you further tests which may include a colonoscopy.