Bowel screening

This page provides more information on how the bowel screening programme is managed and run.

If you would like more information on what screening means for you as a participant, visit the NHS Inform page.

Screening for bowel cancer helps detect abnormalities before symptoms appear. The test measures the amount of blood in a sample, which can indicate a higher risk of pre-cancerous growths – or bowel polyps – and any other changes in the bowel. Signs of bowel cancer can be small, making the screening programme important.

Who gets the bowel cancer test and how does it work?

Everyone between the ages of 50 and 74 receive an invite to take the test in the post. After that, anyone over the age of 75 can call the helpline to self-refer. Home tests are sent to eligible participants every two years.

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) can detect and measure the amount of blood in a stool sample. This indicates whether a result is normal or not.

If the test results are positive, patient referral via the Bowel Screening IT System (BoSS) takes place. Further investigations are then done by the relevant local colorectal cancer service.

Where does the Bowel Screening Service take place?

We commission the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre from NHS Tayside. It consists of the call-recall office, a helpline for patients and a laboratory. Home tests get sent to the central laboratory for analysis. Participants can use the test kits at home.

Participants can request a new or replacement kit by:

• calling the Helpline on 0800 0121833 (textphone 18001 0800 0121833)
• making a request using the online form, available on the NHS Inform website
• emailing the Bowel Screening Centre
• making a request via Facebook

Further information for health professionals:

Find the latest screening standards on the Healthcare Improvement Scotland website.

For programme statistical information and trend data, visit the Public Health Scotland website.

Lead clinician

Professor Bob Steele

Address

NSD contact

NSD Screening

Please note that NSD does not directly provide medical services and we won't be able to answer queries about your own care or appointments. If you would like to discuss any aspects of your care, please contact your primary healthcare provider. This might be your GP, Consultant, Nurse or other healthcare professional. They will be best placed to give you the right advice. Please do not send any patient identifiable information, such as Date of Birth, CHI number or address to the above email address.