Bowel Cancer Awareness
Early detection saves lives: Is your Kit in the drawer?
This April Beechwood Medical Practice is supporting Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Bowel cancer is the UK'S second-biggest cancer killer, but it doesn't have to be! When diagnosed at the earliest stage, more than 9 out of 10 people survive.
The biggest tool we have in this fight is the FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) kit - and in 2026, the programme is more effective than ever!
Whats new for 2026?
1. Lower screening age: The NHS has now completed the rollout extending bowel cancer screening to everyone aged 50-74. If you are in this age bracket, you will receive a kit every two years.
2. Increased sensitivity: Starting this year, the NHS is lowering the "threshold" for the FIT kit. This means the test is now even better at picking up tiny traces of blood that might have been missed before helping us catch cancers and pre-cancerous polyps even earlier.
3. Digital alerts: Look out for notifications on your NHS App. Many patients will now receive a digital nudge when their kit is on its way.
Know the symptoms: while the screening kit is for people without symptoms, you should still keep an eye out for any changes. If you notice any of these for 3 weeks or more then, please contact us.
- Blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom.
- changes in your habit, such as looser poo or going more often
- Unexplained weight loss or feeling extremely tired
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Missed your kit? If you are over 50 and haven't had a kit in over 2 years (or you have lost yours), call the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
How you can get involved: Why not join the ActiveApril challenge? Being physically active can lower your risk of developing bowel cancer. Whether it's a 30 minute walk or a gym session, every bit helps!
Click the link for more information.