You can get free bowel screening through the national bowel screening programme - BowelScreen.
This is when you use a BowelScreen home test kit to collect a sample of poo and send it for testing.
Check if you can get bowel screening
Ways to get a free BowelScreen home test kit
To get your first BowelScreen home test kit you can:
- phone BowelScreen
- order it online from BowelScreen
We will automatically send your next home test kit to you 2 years after your last normal result. You do not need to order it.
But you can contact us to order a kit if you did not get one and think you should have.
Make sure we have your correct contact information
Phone
Freephone: 1800 45 45 55
We ask for your PPS number, date of birth and contact information.
Order online
You will need your PPS number, date of birth and COR ID number.
Your COR ID number is your identification number on the BowelScreen register. It is also known as a Colorectal ID.
To find it check the letter you got in the post from us or the bowel screening register.
Giving your informed consent
When you order your first home test kit you give your consent to take part in the BowelScreen programme.
What you need to understand to give your informed consent
To give your informed consent you need to understand:
- what screening can and cannot do
- when and how you will get your result
- the chances of receiving a normal result and what it means
- what it means if you are called back for further tests
- how your personal information will be used
When you feel you have all the information you need to make an informed choice, contact us to order a BowelScreen home test kit. Only you can give your consent.
If you have a disability or access needs
If you or someone you care for needs has a disability or needs support we will take reasonable steps to help you access screening.
Contact our access officer if you want:
- more help understanding screening
- a sign language interpreter
- a language interpreter
- us to phone you if you are blind or are vision impaired
- information in Braille
- easy read and photo story information
- video with subtitles
If you have a stoma or had bowel surgery
Contact an access officer if you:
- had bowel surgery or have a stoma
- have questions about using a BowelScreen home test kit
If you have symptoms of bowel cancer
Only do the BowelScreen home test if you have no symptoms of bowel cancer.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you:
- are worried about or have symptoms of bowel cancer
- have a family history of bowel cancer
Do this at any age and even if you have had a recent normal screening result.