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Bowel screening

Bowel screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74 across Scotland to help find bowel cancer early, when it can often be cured.

If you are between 50 and 74 years old and live in Scotland, you will automatically be sent a bowel cancer home screening test in the post every two years. If you are 75 or over, you can still do the test every two years. It isn’t sent automatically but you can request one. It is still free – just contact the Bowel Screening Centre.

If you lost your last kit or think you may have missed your last test, you can also contact the Bowel Screening Centre and order a replacement kit using the following methods.

To find more information about bowel screening, including information in BSL and alternative languages, visit NHS inform.

What if I need an interpreter or more help?

If you have to attend any follow up appointments after screening let the department know if you:

  • Need an interpreter.
  • Have a disability.
  • Need any additional help.

Important: Bowel screening information in easy read format

We want health screening information to be accessible to everyone.

Bowel screening (Easy Read)

Important: Screening for the transgender community

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No matter which, if any, gender you identify with, it’s important you’re aware of which screening services you’re eligible for.

See screening information for the transgender community at NHS inform.

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Last updated: 2 September 2024

Next review date: 23 November 2024