https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/
NHS London have developed a campaign this summer to encourage more people to do their free NHS bowel cancer screening test.
The campaign, “Your next poo could save your life”, urges people who have been sent a free bowel cancer screening kit to use it.
It aims to increase uptake of bowel cancer screening across London and is particularly focusing on those who are less likely to do the test: men, people sent the bowel cancer screening kit for the first time, people in deprived areas, people from some ethnic and faith communities, and people with a learning disability.
The programme is expanding to make it available to everyone aged 50 to 59 years. This is happening gradually over 4 years and started in April 2021.
How to get a home test kit
Everyone aged 60 to 74 years who is registered with a GP and lives in England is automatically sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.
The programme is expanding so that everyone aged 50 to 59 years will be eligible for screening. This is happening gradually over 4 years and started in April 2021 with 56 year olds.
The programme has also started to include 58 year olds, so you may get a test before you’re 60.
Make sure your GP practice has your correct address so your kit is posted to the right place.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
If you’re worried about a family history of bowel cancer or have any symptoms, speak to a GP for advice.