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Detecting bowel cancer early saves lives

Date published: 11 April 2022

It’s important to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Early detection can make a real difference and increase chances of successful treatment. Screening for the disease is available to everyone aged 60 to 74.

Symptoms of bowel cancer

Bowel cancer symptoms can include:

  • blood in your poo
  • looser poo
  • pooing more often and/ or constipation
  • losing weight for no obvious reason
  • pain or swelling in your tummy
  • extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

While in many cases there will be a simple explanation, if you are concerned that you have one or more of these symptoms, you should seek advice from your doctor at an early stage.

You can find out more about bowel cancer at this link:

  • Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer screening kit

Everyone aged 60 to 74 years is invited for bowel cancer screening.

A home screening test is posted to the address they have registered with their GP. It is therefore important that their GP has their most up-to-date address and correct date of birth.

  • Your local doctor (GP)

The screening kit is a simple test to detect tiny amounts of blood in the bowel motions, which can be an early warning sign for bowel cancer before any other signs or symptoms. 

If any blood is found, it does not mean that the person has bowel cancer, but that they need further investigation.

  • Bowel cancer screening

If you get the screening test kit in the post, take action – it could save your life. 

More useful links

  • Cancer
  • Older men's health
  • Older women's health
  • Health conditions
  • Be cancer aware
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