Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Yet the latest data shows that almost one third of people who were sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit in England last year did not go on to complete it. Early diagnosis is vital, as detecting bowel cancer at the earliest stage makes you up to 9 times more likely to be successfully treated.
So if you’re aged 50 to 74, live in England and registered with a GP practice, you’ll be sent a kit in the post automatically, every two years. The simple FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) kit is also available to those aged 75+ by calling the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
The kit is quick to complete and can be done in the privacy of your own bathroom using the step-by-step instructions on the box. You only need to collect one tiny sample of poo using the plastic stick provided, pop it in the sample bottle and post it for free, to be tested.
What is a FIT test?
An immunochemical faecal occult blood test, known as FIT or iFOBT, is used for bowel cancer screening. This simple at-home test checks for tiny traces of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye. Blood in your stool can be one of the signs of bowel cancer, but it does not always indicate cancer. It could instead be a sign of conditions such as hemorrhoids or polyps (growths in the bowel). While polyps are not cancerous, they can potentially develop into cancer over time. The goal of this test is to detect cancers at an early stage.
So, the NHS is asking anyone who is sent a bowel cancer screening test to remember to complete it.
For more information please click HERE.
If you receive one of these tests, we highly encourage you to take part. For instructions on how to use this kit please read our instructions and watch the video below:
- Pee First, you must try and avoid contaminating your stool sample with urine so it’s best to pee before you collect your sample.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water and dry them before you start.
- Place something in the toilet to catch the stool, such an empty clean plastic container.
- Make sure the stool sample doesn’t touch the inside of the toilet.
- Using the container provided to you aim to fill around a third of it – that’s about the size of a walnut, you may find it easier to use a disposable spoon to place the stool in the container.
- Label the container with your name, date of birth and the date (with a label provided or write your details on the container). Then put it in the envelope ready to be sent off.
- Put anything you used to collect the stool sample in a plastic bag, tie it up and put it the bin.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water and then dry them once done.
Here are some tips to make collecting your poo a bit easier. Why not practise and work out which method you find the easiest? Don’t forget, do not let your poo touch the water or toilet!
There are no specific storage requirements for the FIT test, however if you cannot return your completed FIT right away, you can choose to keep it in the fridge for a short period of time.
How will I get results of my FIT test?
If you have done a faecal occult blood test, you should get your results in the mail about 2 weeks later. Your results will also be sent to your doctor, if you nominated them on the form, you sent in with the sample. If your test is positive, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss what to do next.
If something is found, you will be invited to have further tests, usually at a hospital.
