Age 60 bowel screening decision

Overview

Bowel screening is a way to check for early signs of bowel cancer in people who feel healthy. At age 60, you will be offered a test called the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years. The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool that you cannot see. Finding problems early can stop cancer from developing or make it easier to treat.

Yes, bowel screening is offered to everyone in the UK from age 60 to 74 as part of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

It is for men and women aged 60 to 74 who do not have symptoms. People with a strong family history or certain medical conditions may be offered screening earlier.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A change in your normal bowel habit that lasts for more than a few weeks (like going more often or feeling like you haven't finished)
• Blood in your stool (poo) – this can be bright red or dark
• Unexplained weight loss or feeling very tired
• A lump or pain in your tummy or back passage

Symptoms in older adults

• Bowel problems like constipation or diarrhoea that last longer than usual
• Feeling like you need to poo but nothing comes out (tenesmus)
• Anaemia – feeling pale, weak, or short of breath

Causes

Main causes

• Age – most cases of bowel cancer occur in people over 50
• Polyps (small growths) in the bowel that can turn into cancer over time
• A strong family history of bowel cancer

Risk factors

• Being overweight or having a diet high in red or processed meat
• Smoking or drinking too much alcohol
• Not being active enough
• Having a condition like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See your GP within 2 weeks if you have blood in your stool or a lasting change in bowel habit
• If you have a family history of bowel cancer, ask your doctor about screening before age 60

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment to discuss the pros and cons of screening when you receive your invitation at age 60
• If you have any concerns or questions about the test

Diagnosis

Bowel screening itself is not a diagnosis – if your FIT test shows blood, you will be offered a follow-up test called a colonoscopy. A thin, flexible camera looks inside your bowel. If polyps or cancer are found, a biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken.

Tests that may be done

• Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) – you do this at home and send a small sample to the lab
• Colonoscopy – a camera test to see the lining of your bowel
• CT colonography – a special X-ray scan if you cannot have a colonoscopy

What to expect at your appointment

If you choose screening, you will receive a kit in the post. Follow the instructions to collect a small bit of stool, label it, and post it back. Results take about two weeks. If abnormal, the screening centre will contact you to arrange a colonoscopy. Most people find the test simple and stress-free.

Treatment

If screening finds a problem, treatment depends on what is found. Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. If cancer is detected, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Early detection means less extensive treatment is usually needed.

Self-care at home

• Eat a diet high in fibre, fruits, and vegetables
• Stay active – at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit red and processed meats
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol

Medical treatments

Treatment for bowel cancer may include surgery to remove the affected part of the bowel, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, or radiotherapy to shrink tumours. Your specialist team will create a plan tailored to your specific situation. Always discuss options with your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often the main treatment for bowel cancer found early. It can be done with small cuts (keyhole surgery) and usually removes the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue.

Living with this condition

After screening or treatment, most people return to normal life. If you have a stoma (a bag on your tummy), a specialist nurse will teach you how to manage it. You can still work, travel, and be active.

Lifestyle tips

• Listen to your body – rest when you need to
• Talk to your family and friends about your feelings
• Attend any follow-up appointments or scans your doctor recommends

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fibre (whole grains, fruit, veg) and drink enough water. Gentle exercise like walking can help your digestion and overall health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis or even the thought of screening can cause anxiety. It is normal to feel worried. Talking to a counsellor, joining a support group, or speaking to your GP can help.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all bowel cancers, but you can lower your risk by eating well, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol. Screening itself helps prevent cancer by removing polyps before they turn into cancer.

Screening programmes

Screening is the most effective way to catch bowel cancer early or prevent it entirely. The NHS offers it free to everyone aged 60 to 74. You receive a kit every two years. Decide whether to take part after talking to your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• A polyp may grow into cancer over many years
• Cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs (metastasis)
• Advanced cancer can cause bowel blockage, pain, and weight loss

Long-term outlook

The outlook for bowel cancer is very good when caught early. More than 90% of people diagnosed at the earliest stage survive for at least 5 years. Screening gives you the best chance of finding it early, when treatment is simplest and most effective.

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