I have received a test-kit over the post. Why should I take this test if I feel fine?

Symptoms of cancer usually appear when it has grown to an advanced stage, by which time treatment may not be possible. By performing this test now you could detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective. Another reason is that this test may also identify polyps, which are tumours that could turn into future cancer. In this way, you can prevent cancer before it even forms.

Is cancer going to be found if I take this test?

The most likely outcome (99%) is that the test comes back as Negative. When the result comes back as Positive, this does not mean cancer. In the majority of these cases polyps or other diseases are the cause. Only a very tiny number of people (one in 500 tests) are diagnosed with cancer.

How much sample do I have to collect?

Cover the grooves on the tip of the applicator stick with poo; this is enough to obtain a result. Collecting too much poo could result in the sample being rejected.

How long do I have to hand in my samples?

Always check the Expiry Date on the back of the tubes before performing the test. Usually, there will be several months to go, however we would urge you to use the kit as soon as possible. If the test-kit has expired you should contact the Screening Office for a replacement test-kit.

I suffer from constipation and would not be able to collect all 3 samples within 14 days. What should I do?

It is important to deliver the samples quickly. Collect the 3 samples on 3 separate days and deliver them individually to the Pathology Department within a few days after collection. Keep the samples refrigerated while awaiting delivery.

I don’t like to place stool samples in the fridge, is there an alternative?

The tubes are well sealed and safe. However, you could also take each sample to the Pathology Department on the same day that you collect it, provided you do so within four hours. The Pathology Department is open for collection between 10:00Hrs to 15:00Hrs Monday to Friday.

I have been told not to perform the test if I suffer from haemorrhoids (piles) or take anti-inflammatory medication. Should I follow that advice?

You should take the test even if you suffer from haemorrhoids or take prescription medicines. Cancer or other diseases may still exist alongside haemorrhoids or while taking medication. If you suffer from bleeding haemorrhoids wait until the flare-up subsides before carrying out the test.

I recently had this test done through my GP surgery. Do I have to do it again?

The Screening Office does not have access to tests requested by your GP. If you wish to be opt out of the screening programme for this reason, please ask your GP to confirm this in writing to us and we will cancel your test.

I have recently had a full body CT scan done. Do I have to take this test?

A full body CT scan does not necessarily spot bowel cancers. You should still undertake the test, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

I recently underwent a colonoscopy, so do I need to take the test?

There are different types of colonoscopy. Not all colonoscopy examinations cover the full length of the bowel. You should continue to take the test, unless your doctor is able to confirm in writing that the colonoscopy that you had performed was a full screening colonoscopy.

The surgeon has put me in a polyp surveillance programme. Do I have to take the test?

If you are already being monitored in a polyp surveillance programme, please ask your doctor to confirm this in writing to us and we will stop sending you test-kits.

I’m currently being regularly followed-up for bowel disease. Do I have to take this test?

If you are being regularly followed-up for bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) please ask your doctor to confirm this in writing to us and we will stop sending you test-kits.

I have previously been treated for bowel cancer. Do I have to take this test?

That depends upon the treatment you received. If only a part of your bowel was surgically removed, you could still develop bowel cancer in the remaining part. If this is your case then you should continue taking the test. If the whole of your large bowel was removed, you may not need further testing. If this is your case, please ask your doctor to confirm this in writing to us and we will stop sending you test-kits.

I’m already receiving treatment for another cancer, so why should I take this test?

Two cancers can co-exist and different cancers need different treatments.  Treatment for another cancer does not confer protection against bowel cancer. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment please perform the test after completing your treatment cycle.

I already participate in the Colorectal Cancer Screening programme offered by the UK (or another country), can I refuse participating in the one offered by the GHA?

If you are already participating in another national Colorectal Cancer Screening programme, please contact the Screening Office to discuss your circumstances and preferences.

Can my husband / wife / friend use my test-kit instead of me?

Each test-kit is personalised for the person to whom it is addressed. No one else should use it.

I’m over the age of 75 and I have not yet received a test-kit.

The Programme only invites persons between 60 – 74 years of age. However, if you are over the age of 75 you can still ask to be screened. Please contact the Screening Office for further details.

Click below to read our information leaflets.

Colon Cancer The Facts

Colon Cancer Screening

Please see instructional video below on how to collect your stool sample