Bowel Screening
The FIT test, or Faecal Immunochemical Test, is a simple at-home test used for bowel cancer screening. It detects tiny, often invisible traces of blood in your poo. Blood in poo can be a sign of bowel cancer or other bowel conditions like polyps.
The test kit, which is sent to eligible individuals, contains a small tube with a stick attached to the lid. You use the stick to collect a small sample of poo and then seal it back in the tube. This sample is then returned by post for laboratory analysis.
It's important to understand that a positive FIT test result doesn't necessarily mean you have bowel cancer. It simply indicates the presence of blood and warrants further investigation, usually with a colonoscopy, to determine the cause. The FIT test is a convenient and effective way to screen for early signs of bowel cancer, even before symptoms appear, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
If you think you're eligible for bowel cancer screening but you've not been invited, or had your test kit, call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.