How to take the bowel cancer screening test
The bowel screening test aims to detect bowel
cancer at an early stage (i.e. with no symptoms), which is when
treatment will more likely be effective. The test kit tests stools
for hidden blood, the presence of which can indicate bowel cancer.
All those eligible for screening will be receive the kit by post,
the test can then be completed in the privacy of your own
home.
Preparing the kit
- Write the date and your name (if applicable) on the first flap
of the test kit
- Take the kit and sticks with you to the toilet
- Lift the first flap. You will see two small windows
Collecting the bowel motion
- Decide how you will collect your bowel motion. Suggested ways
include: folded toilet paper, your hand covered by a plastic bag or
clean disposable container
- It is important that the bowel motion does not come into
contact with the toilet bowl or toilet water
- Collect your bowel motion
Taking two samples from your bowel motion
- Using one of the cardboard sticks, take a small sample of the
bowel motion and spread thinly over the first window
- Wrap the stick in toilet roll and dispose of in the bin
- Using another cardboard stick, take a small sample from a
different part of the bowel motion, and spread in the second
window
- Wrap this stick in toilet roll and dispose of in the bin
- Dispose of the rest of the bowel motion down the toilet and
dispose of the method used to catch the bowel motion
appropriately
When you have finished
- Once the samples are collected, fold down the flap
- Wash and dry your hands
- You can keep the kit in the bathroom as long as it is away from
direct heat and direct sunlight
Collecting your second and third bowel
motions
- Using the same methods, collect samples from two more separate
bowel motions. Each of these should be on different days
- Please note that all three flaps should be completed within 14
days of completing the first flap (within 10 days in Northern
Ireland)
- This helpful video takes you through the process.
Returning the completed kit
- Once completed put the kit in the freepost envelope, seal it,
and put it in the post
- You should receive your results within two weeks
Results
- If the result is clear you will be sent another kit in two
years
- The results can also be unclear or abnormal. You will be
invited to take further tests if this is the case
Mark Bratchpiece, 65, from North Lanarkshire, also advises
others to complete the test. He said: "It is vital that
people do the test. You have to nip it in the bud, because quicker
detection can mean cure. I found the kit simple and handy to use,
and the instructions are clear. I did ask Bowel Cancer UK's advice
to make sure I was doing it right, but it's easy and there's no
mess."
Last updated 19th January 2011
