The bowel cancer screening programme helps find bowel cancer and pre cancerous growths that could eventually turn into cancer if untreated. It is estimated that by 2025, 2000 lives will be saved every year by bowel cancer screening.
The bowel cancer screening test is called the FOBT (faecal occult blood test). The FOBT looks for traces of blood in your motions and can be done in the privacy of your own home. Samples are sent to a lab for testing.
In England, men and women are invited for screening every 2 years.
If you are over 70, you can still take part in the screening programme. You will need to call 08007 076060 to request a test kit.