NHS Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel Cancer Screening at The Park Medical Centre

Bowel cancer screening is a crucial way to detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Increasing uptake can save lives by identifying issues before symptoms develop.

Why Bowel Cancer Screening Matters

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Each year, over 42,000 people are diagnosed, and screening can help reduce mortality rates by catching cancer early. Screening can detect blood in your stool, even before visible symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention.

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used for bowel cancer screening. This simple test checks for tiny amounts of blood in a stool sample, which may indicate changes in the bowel that require further investigation.

• The test is sent automatically to individuals aged 52 and over, but very soon, eligibility will extend to those aged 50+ in England.

• It is done at home with a quick sample and mailed back for analysis.

• If abnormal results are detected, further tests (such as a colonoscopy) may be recommended.

At The Park Medical Centre, we regularly monitor our screening uptake, and currently, 65% - 70% of eligible patients complete their screening test. This is an excellent rate and one of the best uptakes in Manchester. However, that still means around 30% of eligible patients remain at risk of not knowing if they have a positive bowel screening test.

To help improve uptake, we:

• Contact non-responders first via text or letter, then follow up with a phone call from our Care Coordinator.

• Ensure screening is fully backed by our Clinical staff, who encourage all eligible patients to complete the test.

• Send birthday invites to patients who are receiving their screening kit for the first time.

If you need a replacement kit, you can request one by calling 0800 707 6060. Alternatively, we can order one on your behalf—just let us know.

We encourage all eligible patients to complete their FIT test when received. Simple actions can help improve participation:

• Open your kit as soon as it arrives—it only takes a few minutes.

• Speak to family members about the importance of screening.

• Contact our practice if you need support or a replacement kit.