NHS bowel cancer screening from 50 – home test kit every 2 years

In England, the NHS offers bowel cancer screening to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years. You do a simple test at home and post it back. If you are 75 or over, you can ask for a kit.

Deadline

No fixed deadline

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

Bowel cancer screening uses a home test kit called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT). It looks for blood in a sample of your poo. If you are aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP, you will get the kit by post automatically.

How to do it

1. Make sure your GP practice has your current address.
2. Wait for your kit to arrive by post. It comes every 2 years between 50 and 74.
3. Collect a small sample at home, following the instructions, and post it back.
4. You should get your results within about 2 weeks.
5. If you are 75 or over, call the free helpline on 0800 707 6060 to ask for a kit.

Common questions

At what age does bowel cancer screening start in England?

It is offered to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years.

Can I get a kit if I am over 75?

Yes. Call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 to ask for one. You can then ask again every 2 years.

Official source: nhs.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.