Bowel Cancer Screening (UK): FIT kit, results, and what to do next

What is the NHS bowel screening programme?

The bowel cancer screening programme aims to find cancers early—before symptoms—or to detect polyps that could become cancer. It uses a simple home stool test called the FIT (faecal immunochemical test). You post the sealed sample in the pre-paid envelope; if blood is detected, you’ll be offered further assessment (usually colonoscopy).

Who gets invited—and when?

• England: People aged 50 to 74 registered with a GP are invited every 2 years. Those 75+ can request a kit by calling the bowel screening helpline 0800 707 6060.
• Scotland & Wales: People aged 50 to 74 are invited every 2 years (similar arrangements for requesting kits if you’re over 75).

If you think you’re eligible but haven’t received a kit, call the helpline above.

How to do the FIT kit at home (step-by-step)

1. Write the date on the sample bottle label with a biro.
2. Use folded toilet paper or a clean, disposable container to catch your poo. Avoid letting it touch toilet water.
3. Open the bottle; gently scrape the grooves of the sample stick along the surface of your poo. Only a small amount is needed.
4. Put the stick back into the bottle and click it shut. Do not reopen.
5. Wash your hands. Place the bottle in the pre-paid envelope and post it the same day if possible.

Tip: If you mislay the printed instructions, ask your GP surgery or see the online instructions (also available in multiple languages and easy-read formats).

When to avoid or delay doing the test

• During your period: wait until bleeding stops.
• Heavy piles/anal bleeding: consider waiting until bleeding settles.
• Sample timing: if you’ve filled the tube, post promptly (blood degrades over time at room temperature).

If unsure, call the screening helpline (0800 707 6060) or ask your GP team.

Getting your result and next steps

• How long: most people receive results within 2 weeks of posting the sample.
• “Not detected” (negative): no blood was found; you’ll be invited again in 2 years. Still contact your GP if you have symptoms.
• “Further tests needed” (positive): you’ll be offered assessment, usually colonoscopy, to look for the cause (polyps, inflammation, or cancer).
• Repeat needed: sometimes you’ll be asked to do the test again (e.g., if the lab can’t read the sample).

Rare but important facts (thresholds, intervals, uptake)

• Thresholds differ: Screening programmes set a positivity cut-off to balance benefits and colonoscopy capacity. In England screening has used a threshold around 120 µg Hb/g stool; internationally programmes use cut-offs from about 8.5 to 120 µg/g.
• Symptom testing is different: In primary care, FIT for symptomatic patients commonly uses a much lower threshold (about 10 µg/g) to help decide on urgent referral. Don’t compare your screening result with a GP-ordered FIT.
• Intervals matter: Modelling shows changing the test interval or threshold alters cancers found and colonoscopies needed—programmes adjust as capacity and evidence evolve.
• Uptake is improving: Since FIT replaced the older test in England, national uptake has risen to about 65%, helping more people be diagnosed earlier.
• Accessibility: An adapted FIT with braille and tactile guides has been piloted to support blind or partially sighted people.

If you have bowel symptoms now

Do not wait for screening. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you have bleeding from your bottom, persistent change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, persistent tummy pain, or a new lump in your abdomen. Screening is for people without symptoms.

Accessibility, moving home & no fixed address

• No fixed address? Ask your GP surgery to receive your kit for you, or arrange delivery to another address.
• Moving home? Make sure your GP registration is up to date so invitations reach you.
• Need alternative formats? Easy-read materials and translated instructions are available; ask your screening hub or GP.

If you’re higher risk (specialist surveillance)

People with certain conditions (for example, strong family history, or known inherited syndromes) may follow a specialist colonoscopy surveillance plan outside routine screening. Your GP or specialist team will advise what’s right for you.

FAQs

Can I get a kit if I’m over 75?

Yes. In England you can request one every 2 years via 0800 707 6060. Similar options exist in Scotland and Wales.

My period has just started—should I wait?

Yes—wait until bleeding has stopped, then do the test.

How soon should I post the sample?

As soon as you can—ideally the same day—so the lab can analyse it before the blood degrades.

Does a negative FIT mean I definitely don’t have cancer?

No test is perfect. If you develop symptoms, contact your GP even if your last FIT was negative.

Glossary (plain English)

• FIT (faecal immunochemical test): a stool test that looks for tiny amounts of blood.
• Colonoscopy: a camera test to look inside the bowel and remove polyps.
• Screening interval: how often you’re invited (currently every 2 years for ages 50–74 in the UK programmes).
• Threshold: the level of blood in stool that triggers further tests.

Last updated

This page was last updated on 6 October 2025. Evidence and citations are stored in the page metadata (schema) for cleanliness.