Bowel cancer screening (FIT kit)

Category: Screening Tests · All screening tests

What it is

The bowel screening programme sends a FIT kit to your home: you collect a tiny sample of stool with the provided stick, post it to the laboratory, and the test measures invisible blood (human haemoglobin) in the sample. Programmes typically invite adults from their 50s to mid-70s every two years (ages vary by country and are expanding).

Why it is done

Screening finds bowel cancers early — when treatment is most effective — and finds some pre-cancerous polyps via the follow-up colonoscopy, preventing cancers from developing.

How to prepare

No preparation or diet change is needed. Follow the kit instructions: sample a fresh stool before it touches toilet water if possible, seal the tube, label with the date, and post promptly. Store as directed if you cannot post the same day.

What happens during the procedure

At the laboratory, the sample is analysed automatically and the result compared with the programme threshold. You do nothing further unless contacted. The whole process from posting takes about one to two weeks for results.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Most results are normal, with the next kit in two years. An abnormal (positive) result leads to an appointment with a screening nurse and an offer of colonoscopy. Between rounds, see your doctor about symptoms such as persistent change in bowel habit, bleeding, or unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia — do not wait for the next kit.

Risks & considerations

The test itself is risk-free. Programme harms are those of follow-up colonoscopy for false positives, and false reassurance from a negative test (intermittent bleeding can be missed) — hence the symptom advice.

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Condition guide: cancer

Frequently asked questions

My result was positive — how likely is cancer?

Only a minority of positive screening results turn out to be cancer; polyps and other benign causes are more common. The colonoscopy gives a definite answer and removes polyps at the same time.

I missed my kit / lost it — can I get another?

Yes — contact the screening hub for a replacement. It is never too late to complete a kit while you are in the invited age range.

Related procedures — Screening Tests

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening Bone density screening decisions (who needs DEXA)Cervical screening (smear test)Diabetic eye screening (retinal photography)Lung cancer screening (low-dose CT for high-risk smokers)Mammogram (screening)

Browse the B section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.

Please note: This page is educational information about a medical procedure or test. It does not replace the instructions of your own care team, who know your situation and whose preparation, fasting and medication advice you should follow if it differs from anything here. If you have symptoms that worry you, or an appointment you do not understand, contact your clinical team.