Bowel cancer screening saves lives

EasyRead version

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Large print version

Bowel cancer

screening saves lives

EasyRead version

This leaflet tells you about a test you can do to see if you might have bowel cancer.

The test is called bowel cancer screening. It is for people aged 60 to 74.

Your bowel is where your poo waits in your body until you go to the toilet.

This is an easy read version of another leaflet about bowel cancer screening.

You may like to have someone with you to support you when you look at this leaflet.

22 What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer is a serious illness.

It is one of the most common cancers. It affects both men and women.

It is most common in older people. Most people who get it are aged over 60.

About the bowel cancer screening test

If you are aged between 60 and 74 years, you will be sent the bowel cancer screening test in the post every 2 years.

You need to be registered with a GP in England, or you won’t get a test.

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You can do the test in your own home.

The test is meant for everyone. It is not just for people who think they have any signs of bowel cancer.

The test looks for tiny bits of blood in your poo. If you had these tiny bits of blood, you wouldn’t be able to see them just by looking.

If we find blood in your poo, you can have another test to see if you have bowel cancer.

Finding out quickly means that there’s a better chance it can be treated and could save your life.

It is up to you if you want to do the test. Make sure you read the leaflet that is sent with the test kit. This will help you choose whether to do the test.

4 About doing the test

The test is easy to do.

When you have a poo, you need to take a sample.

You need to do this 3 times in 10 days.

In the screening kit there are some cardboard sticks. Each time you have a poo, use these sticks to put some of your poo onto the test kit.

You will be sent more details with the screening kit about how to do this.

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You can watch a video about how to do the test at: www.cruk.org/boweltest

Once you have taken samples from 3 poos, send the test back in the envelope in the kit.

About 2 weeks later, we will send you the results of the test.

If there is a problem, you will be offered more tests at the hospital.

If you notice anything strange about your poo, or if your poo has changed, or if how often you go for a poo has changed, do not wait for your screening kit. See your doctor straight away.

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You can find your doctor’s contact details at: www.nhs.uk/findgp

If you have any questions, call the confidential NHS Bowel Cancer Screening helpline on: 0800 707 60 60

You can phone Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. The call does not cost you anything.

If you are 75 years old or older then you can phone us to get a test sent to you.

7 Doing the test could save your life

Paul is 63.

He did the test and says it was easy to do.

The test found something was wrong.

Paul had more tests at the hospital and found out he had bowel cancer.

He had an operation and has been well ever since.

He says he is really glad he did the test and found out.

Another test for bowel cancer

There is another test for bowel cancer. You may be offered this test when you are 55.

At the moment, you can only have this test if you live in some parts of England.

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For this test you have to go to hospital.

A tiny camera goes into your bowel to look for small lumps. If it finds any it can take them out.

You will still be asked to do the other test and take samples every 2 years when you are aged from 60 to 74.

Keeping well

There are things you can do to give you the best chance of not getting cancer.

Stop smoking

The best thing you can do to keep well is to stop smoking.

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You can get lots of help to stop smoking. Go to the website: www.nhs.uk/smokefree

Or call: 0300 123 1044

Look after yourself

Try to stay a healthy weight and keep active. The more you do, the better. Try:

• swimming

• cycling

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• dancing

• walking.

Eat well

It is good to try and have a healthy diet. Try to eat more fruit and vegetables.

Cut down on drinking

Try not to drink too much alcohol.

More information

You can find out more about the best ways to stay well and cut your chance of getting cancer at: www.nhs.uk/reduce-your-risk

11 How to find out more

You can find out more about bowel cancer screening including leaflets in alternative formats at: www.cruk.org.uk/BeClearonCancer

Produced by Williams Lea, BDS Communications and Inspired Services Publishing for Cancer Research UK and Public Health England

© Crown copyright 2017