Bowel cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in the UK, and per the Bowel Cancer UK Organisation, almost 44,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK. More than nine out of 10 new cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. In US, As per the American Cancer Society, it can show up in 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. It is also the third most common type of cancer in the US, after lung and breast cancer. It is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. The International Agency for Research on Cancer notes that in 2022, more than 1.9million cases of colorectal cancers were diagnosed worldwide, making it the second leading case of cancer deaths worldwide too.It being such a common cancer is why early detection of the same is vital. The screening process uses a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to identify traces of blood in a sample of your stool. As blood in stool could be an early sign of bowel cancer.Who Is Eligible for Bowel Cancer Screening?Currently, bowel cancer screening is offered every two years to people aged 54 to 74 as per NHS UK. However, this program is expanding, and soon, individuals aged 50 to 74 will also be included. If you’re over 50, you might receive a test kit as part of this update.The reason for this age range is that the risk of bowel cancer increases as people get older. For those aged 75 or over, screening is still available, but it is not automatically sent out. Instead, you can request a test kit every two years.If you believe you’re eligible for screening but have not received an invitation or test kit, you can call the helpline to ensure you’re on the screening list.How Can One Avail The Bowel Cancer Screening Test Kit?For individuals aged 54 to 74 who are registered with a GP, a home test kit (FIT kit) will be sent by post every two years. If you are over 75, you can request the kit by calling the helpline.How to Use Bowel Cancer Screening Home Test Kit?Prepare: Ensure that you kit includes a sample bottle, an envelope and clear instructions It is also important that you write the date on the sample bottle. Sample Collection: Use a clean container to catch your stool, ensuring it doesn’t touch the toilet water. Open the sample bottle and use the stick attached to the lid to gently scrape your stool. Cover the grooves on the stick with a small amount of stool.Seal The Sample: Place the stick back into the bottle, close it tightly, and wash your hands thoroughly.Send It For Test: Put the sealed sample bottle into the provided envelope, seal it, and post it as soon as possible. No stamp is needed.Results Of Bowel Cancer ScreeningIf your result says no further tests are required, it means no blood was found.If your result says you need further tests, it means blood was found in the stool and needs further investigation. This means you will have to book an appointment with a specialist who would talk about your results and would require you to have a colonoscopy. This is when a camera is used to check inside your bowel.However, it is important to note that blood in stool does not always mean that it is cancer. There could be other reasons like anal fissure or bowel polyps.