Screening
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Guidance on when and how to screen for bowel cancer, including for people with a family history.
Why screen?
Screening aims to find bowel cancer early, or to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Who should consider screening?
Adults from middle age onward, and earlier for people with a family history of bowel cancer, certain polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. The right starting age depends on individual risk — discuss this at consultation.
Screening options
Options include stool-based tests and colonoscopy. A positive stool test should be followed by colonoscopy.
Don't wait for screening if you have symptoms
Bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, anaemia or weight loss need prompt assessment, not routine screening.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation.