What the test looks for
The BowelScreen home test checks for tiny amounts of blood in a stool sample that you cannot see. Blood can come from many causes, most of them not cancer.
What a positive result means
A positive (abnormal) result means blood was found and the next step is a colonoscopy to find out why. Most people with a positive test do not have cancer; polyps or haemorrhoids are common findings.
What happens next
BowelScreen will contact you to arrange a colonoscopy at a screening unit. If you prefer, you can discuss your result with your GP or a specialist.
Why it matters
Screening finds polyps before they become cancer, and finds cancers early when treatment works best. Taking up the test when invited is one of the most useful things you can do for your bowel health.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor.