Bowel cancer screening – 20 years on
Twenty years after its initial launch, the NHS bowel cancer screening programme continues to save lives.
And this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, eligible people in Kent and Medway are being urged not to ignore their invitation and to complete their potentially life‑saving test.
Common cancer
Bowel cancer is the 3rd most common type of cancer in the UK* which is why early diagnosis is so important.
Between 2022 and 2024, 63 per cent of people were diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage (stages 1 or 2) via bowel screening, compared with 47 per cent diagnosed at an early stage via other routes.**
The screening looks for small amounts of blood in a poo sample, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.
Primary Care Cancer Clinical Lead, Dr Jonathan Bryant, said: “We know people may feel unsure about completing the bowel cancer screening test, but it's important that they take part.
“It's quick, simple and could save lives.”
Personal experiences
Bowel cancer screening and awareness can mean different things to different people. For some it may provide reassurance, while for others it may bring questions or uncertainty.
In collaboration with Social Enterprise Kent, the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance and members of the community, have produced a video sharing different personal experiences of bowel cancer screening, to inform and comfort those receiving an invite.
'Peace of mind'
Bobbie, aged 50, from Chatham received her bowel cancer screening test just after her 50th birthday and was pleasantly surprised with how quick the process was.
“I think it's a positive thing, to get checked. Getting your results back quickly, gives you that peace of mind.”
About bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer screening is currently offered to those ages who are at a higher risk of developing bowel cancer.
People aged 50 to 74 are offered a free bowel cancer testing kit every two years.
Bowel cancer testing kits (FIT kit) should include a sample bottle, a pre-paid envelope, and instructions on how to do the test.
You'll usually receive the results of your bowel cancer screening home test via a letter within 2 weeks after sending your sample.
If no further tests are needed, you do not need to do anything else.
If your result says you need further tests it means blood was found in your poo and needs to be investigated and you will be contacted further regarding this.
Read more about the KMCA's work on bowel cancer awareness.
*(Source: NHS England, 2026)
**(Source: Rapid Cancer Registration Data dashboards - NDRS, 2026)