How do I do the test? 

The test kit that you receive in the post will come with full instructions on how to complete the test and send it back. 

Before you start:

• Read the instructions included with your test kit

• Check the label. Make sure that the label on the test has your name and date of birth on it. If not, write it on in pen. You may also be asked to write on the date that you do the test

• Place lots of toilet paper in the toilet bowl so it is not soaked and remains dry in order to catch the poo without it coming into contact with the toilet water.

In the bathroom:

• Wash your hands and place the test kit on a clean surface  

• Take the lid off the test. The lid is attached to the stick that you will use to collect a small amount of poo

• Collect your poo in the clean container or your covered hand. Don’t let your poo touch the water in the toilet

• Scrape the stick along the poo until the grooves are full. Don’t add extra poo, only a small amount is needed

• Put the lid back on the test and close it

• Flush your poo down the toilet and dispose of any containers or bags that were used to collect your poo

• Place your test into the envelope provided

• Wash your hands

Send your test back as soon as possible after collecting your sample.

What happens after you’ve completed the bowel cancer screening tests? 

After you’ve posted your test, you’ll get your test results in about two weeks. 

Most people will be told that no further investigation is needed. This means that you don’t need any further tests and that you’ll receive another screening kit in two years. However, if you experience any symptoms of bowel cancer, you shouldn't wait for your next screening test. Instead, speak to your GP and ask about an at-home test. 

Some people will be told that further tests are needed. This means that a certain amount of blood was found in your poo sample. This doesn't mean you have cancer, but it’s important to find out what is causing the bleeding. You’ll be offered more tests, such as a colonoscopy.

Benefits and risks of bowel cancer screening 

It's your choice whether to take part in the screening programme. Some of the benefits and risks of bowel cancer screening are listed here. 

Benefits of bowel cancer screening 

• Screening can spot bowel cancer at an early stage, when it’s most likely to treatable. Research shows that more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it’s diagnosed at the earliest stage. 

• Screening can help to find polyps (non-cancerous growths) which may be in the bowel. Polyps may develop into cancer in the future, so removing these will reduce your risk of getting bowel cancer 

Risks of bowel cancer screening 

• No screening programme is 100% accurate. Cancer may be missed if the tumour was not bleeding when you took the test. This is why it’s important to speak to your GP if you have symptoms even if you’ve recently done a screening test 

• Screening may spot blood caused by things that aren’t cancer, for example other medical conditions and some food and medicines. This may lead to further tests, such as a colonoscopy and cause you to worry. Your screening test will come with information about things that may affect the test results 

• Bowel cancer can develop in the two years between your screening tests. Speak to your GP if you have any symptoms and ask about an at-home test