Bowel Screening
Bowel screening aims to find cancer at an early stage in people who have no symptoms. It uses a simple home test called a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test).
What is the BowelScreen Programme?
The National Bowel Screening Programme sends a free invitation to men and women aged 57 to 71 every two years. Taking part regularly increases the chance that if cancer is present, it is found when it is much easier to treat successfully.
Taking Part in BowelScreen
Getting your free at-home test kit is easier than ever. If you are aged 57–71, you can:
Online at hse.ie
- Check if you are on the register
- Update your address details
- Request your free home kit
How to Use Your Home Test Kit
The test takes less than 5 minutes and is done in the privacy of your own bathroom.
- Collect: Scrape the sampling stick on your poo until the end is covered.
- Secure: Put the sample stick back into the tube and seal it.
- Bag: Put the tube inside the provided plastic bag and seal it.
- Date: Write the date of collection on the outside of the bag.
- Post: Use the pre-paid envelope. Post it the same day or the next morning.
Your Results
You will receive a letter with your results within four weeks. Here is what they mean:
| Result | What happens next? |
|---|---|
| Normal (95%) | No blood was found. You will be invited to test again in two years. |
| Trace of Blood | This doesn’t always mean cancer, but you will be offered a colonoscopy at a hospital to find the cause. |
Important: If you have symptoms
Do not wait for a screening invitation if you have concerns or are experiencing changes in your bowel habits. Screening is for people without symptoms. If you feel something is wrong, contact your GP immediately.
Information provided by BowelScreen. For more, visit www.bowelscreen.ie.
