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.