At Westongrove Partnership, we want our patients to know about bowel cancer and how screening can help prevent it. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, but it can often be prevented or treated successfully if found early.
What is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) starts in the large bowel or rectum.
It usually develops from tiny growths called polyps – these are not always cancer, but some can turn into cancer over time.
Finding and removing polyps early can stop cancer developing.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel screening looks for hidden blood in your poo (which can be an early sign of cancer).
You’ll be sent a home test kit (the FIT test) in the post.
The test is simple: you use a small stick to take a tiny sample of your poo and send it back in a freepost envelope.
If blood is found, you may be invited for further tests (such as a colonoscopy).
Who is Offered Screening?
Everyone aged 60 to 74 is automatically sent a test kit every 2 years.
In some areas, it’s being expanded to start from age 50 – this rollout is ongoing.
Over 75? You can still request a kit every 2 years by calling the free bowel screening helpline (the number is on the NHS website or your last letter).
Why is Screening Important?
Bowel screening can detect cancer before symptoms develop.
It also helps find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer.
Screening saves thousands of lives every year in the UK.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Even if you take part in screening, it’s important to see your GP if you notice:
- Blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
- A change in your normal bowel habit lasting more than 3 weeks (e.g. looser poo, going more often)
- Pain in your tummy or a lump in your tummy
- Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
Most people with these symptoms do not have cancer, but it’s best to get checked.
Reducing Your Risk
You can lower your risk of bowel cancer by:
Not smoking and limiting alcohol
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fibre (fruit, veg, wholegrains)
Cutting down on red and processed meat
Keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight
How to Take Part in Screening
Look out for your NHS screening kit in the post.
Follow the instructions and return it in the freepost envelope.
If you’re over 75, you can request a kit by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline (0800 707 60 60).