Bowel Cancer Screening

The Bowel Cancer screening programme uses a home test called the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). FIT looks for hidden blood in poo. Everyone registered with a GP and within the eligible screening age range, receives a FIT test, which is automatically posted to them.

The Screening team/Specialist Screening Practitioner contacts the participants to talk about the results of the FIT test kit, or to those who are due a surveillance procedure.

The investigation offered (usually a colonoscopy) is explained, including benefits and possible risks. An assessment is undertaken to determine the suitability and safety of having a colonoscopy. If deemed suitable and safe to proceed, the participant is booked for a procedure. Surrey Bowel Cancer screening staff work at four sites: Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley Park NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust.

• Everyone registered with a GP and within the eligible screening age range of 54-75 who have received an abnormal FIT test kit result. (It is expected that the age range will go down to 50 in 2024).
• Patients who are over the age range (over 75) are able to self-refer and ask for a test kit from the Southern Screening Hub.
• All Lynch syndrome patients are referred by genetics.
• All who are due surveillance within the screening programme.

All participants come through the Southern Hub because of an abnormal FIT test result or are referred by genetics to the Screening Programme.

Telephone Southern Hub: 0800 707606

Surrey Bowel Cancer Screening Service

Telephone: 01483 408357

Southern Hub

Telephone: 0800 7076060