# NHS FIT test and colonoscopy for bowel cancer screening > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/screening ## In short The NHS sends a FIT (faecal immunochemical test) kit to people aged 50 to 74 every two years — 45 to 74 in Scotland. You collect a small poo sample at home and post it back. A positive result means hidden blood was found, not that you definitely have cancer. Most bowel cancers develop from adenomatous polyps over many years. Removing polyps at colonoscopy is one of the most effective cancer-prevention steps available on the NHS. People aged 75 and over can often self-refer to their local screening centre. High familial or genetic risk (including Lynch syndrome) is managed with extra surveillance, not only the two-year FIT. ## How do you do the FIT test? The kit arrives by post. You take a small sample of poo with the stick or bottle provided, seal it, and post it in the envelope. It takes a few minutes and does not need a hospital visit. Complete it when it arrives even if you feel well. Screening is designed to find problems before symptoms. ## What happens if the FIT test is positive? A positive FIT means the test found tiny amounts of human blood. The next step is usually colonoscopy: a camera examination of the whole large bowel, often with sedation. Polyps can be removed during the same procedure and biopsies taken. CT colonography (a CT ‘virtual colonoscopy’) is sometimes used if colonoscopy is not suitable. Flexible sigmoidoscopy looks only at the lower bowel. ## Who needs extra bowel surveillance? About 5% of bowel cancers are linked to inherited conditions. Lynch syndrome is the most common, caused by mismatch-repair gene changes. FAP causes hundreds of polyps and a very high lifetime risk if untreated. A strong family history should be discussed with a GP. Those people are offered colonoscopic surveillance outside the standard FIT programme. ## Key takeaways - FIT is a home poo test every two years from age 50–74 (45–74 in Scotland). - A positive FIT is not a cancer diagnosis — it is a reason for colonoscopy. - Most bowel cancers grow from polyps that can be removed before they turn malignant. - Do the kit even if you feel well; see a GP for symptoms rather than waiting. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/symptoms - FIT test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a positive FIT mean I have cancer? No. It means blood was detected. Colonoscopy finds the cause. Most people with a positive FIT do not have cancer. ### I am 76 — can I still be screened? People aged 75 and over can usually self-refer to their local NHS bowel screening centre. Ask your GP or the screening hub. ### Is processed meat a cause of bowel cancer? The WHO classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen for colorectal cancer. Limiting processed and red meat, eating fibre, keeping a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking and limiting alcohol all lower risk. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.