How do you get tested for bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer, sometimes called colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in the UK. It affects both men and women and is more likely to develop as you get older. Like many types of cancer, bowel cancer can be more successfully treated if it is found early.

Many people feel unsure about what bowel cancer tests involve or may feel nervous about them, but understanding the process can make it much less daunting.

Here, we look at the main ways bowel cancer is tested for, who is eligible for NHS screening, what private options are available and when you should see your doctor if you are worried about your risk.

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the large bowel or rectum. These cells can form a lump called a tumour, which may spread if left untreated.

Most bowel cancers develop from small growths in the bowel called polyps. Not all polyps turn into cancer, but finding and removing them early can help prevent bowel cancer from developing.

What are the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer?

Some people with bowel cancer may not notice any symptoms at first. Others may experience changes that can be easy to dismiss. Common symptoms include:

• Blood in your stool (poo) or bleeding from the back passage

• A persistent change in bowel habits, such as going more often or having looser stools

• Abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating after eating

• Unexplained weight loss

• Feeling very tired for no reason

These symptoms do not always mean you have bowel cancer, as they can also be caused by conditions such as haemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is important to get checked if you notice ongoing changes.

How is bowel cancer usually found?

Bowel cancer can be picked up in two main ways:

1. Through routine screening before you have symptoms

2. By seeing a doctor when you develop symptoms

Both routes are important, as screening can catch early changes that you may not have noticed.

What is bowel cancer screening?

In the UK, the NHS offers free bowel cancer screening to people in certain age groups. The screening test looks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool that you may not be able to see. Detecting blood early can help spot bowel cancer or other problems before symptoms appear.

The home test kit

The most common screening method is a stool sample test, often called a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test). This is sent to your home when you are invited for screening. You use the kit to collect a small sample of your stool, then send it to a laboratory where it is checked for hidden blood.

The test is quick, simple and can be done in the privacy of your home.

Who is invited for bowel cancer screening?

• In England, everyone aged 60 to 74 is invited every two years. The programme is expanding to include people from age 50.

• In Scotland, screening is offered from age 50 to 74.

• In Wales and Northern Ireland, the programme covers those aged 60 to 74.

If you are over 75, you can request a kit by contacting the screening programme.

What happens if your screening result is abnormal?

Most people who take the FIT test will not have blood detected in their stool. If blood is found, it does not always mean cancer is present. It may be caused by other conditions like polyps or haemorrhoids.

If your result shows blood, you will usually be invited for a further test called a colonoscopy.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a test where a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is gently passed into your bowel. This allows a specialist doctor to look inside and check for growths or changes.

If the doctor sees any polyps, they can often remove them during the same procedure. This prevents them from developing into cancer in the future.

The test usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes. You may be offered a sedative to help you relax, and most people can go home the same day.

Other ways bowel cancer may be tested for

If you see your doctor with symptoms, you may be offered different tests depending on your situation. These can include:

• Blood tests – to check for signs of anaemia, which may be linked to bowel cancer

• Imaging tests – such as a CT colonography (sometimes called a virtual colonoscopy) that uses scans to look at your bowel

• Sigmoidoscopy – a procedure similar to a colonoscopy, but only looking at the lower part of the bowel

Your doctor will explain which test is right for you.

Private bowel cancer testing

For those who want a broader view of their health beyond NHS bowel cancer screening, private cancer risk profile tests are available for both men and women. These include checks for several common cancers and can help provide a clearer picture of overall risk.

Who is most at risk of bowel cancer?

Anyone can develop bowel cancer, but certain factors increase your risk:

• Age – most cases are diagnosed in people over 50

• Family history – if a close relative has had bowel cancer

• Lifestyle factors – such as a diet high in processed meat, low in fibre, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol or smoking

• Certain medical conditions – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Understanding your risk can help you take preventive steps and be more aware of symptoms.

How to reduce your risk

You cannot completely prevent bowel cancer, but you can lower your risk by:

• Eating a diet rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables

• Reducing processed and red meat intake

• Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight

• Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking

• Taking part in bowel cancer screening when invited

When should you see a doctor?

See your GP if you notice blood in your stool, ongoing changes to your bowel habits, or unexplained symptoms such as weight loss or tiredness. Even if it turns out to be something less serious, it is always better to get checked.

Private cancer risk testing

If you want a more comprehensive view of your cancer risk, Bluecrest offers the Early Cancer Add-on. These include checks for several common cancers, including bowel, prostate, and ovarian, and combine health markers with lifestyle and family history insights to give a clearer picture of your overall risk. This can be added onto your package at the point of booking or, if you already have your assessment booked, simply call us on the number below and we can add this onto your appointment.

All tests are carried out at convenient locations across the UK, with results provided in a detailed report and access to a 24/7 GP helpline for support.

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