We recommend everyone from 40 years of age upwards consider bowel cancer screening using a test called FIT (faecal immunochemical test).

The test looks for microscopic amounts of blood in the stool, not visible to the naked eye. This blood can indicate a cancer. It is a ‘screening test’ so this means it can no diagnose a cancer. People who receive a positive FIT result are usually recommended to have a colonoscopy test. This is when a thin tube with a camera is used to look inside the bowel.

• Early onset bowel cancer is increasing and testing can help us diagnose people earlier.
• FIT kits are quick and easy to use at home and can then be returned securely to the laboratory.
  • Home delivery of kits available.
• Our experienced GPs will follow-up abnormal results to make sure you are looked after every step.

Detect more cases

• The NHS FIT reports any reading above 120 micrograms/g.
  • This is a high level.
• At Coyne Medical we report any FIT level above 4 micrograms/g.
  • This much lower level means we will find more cancers.

Find Cancer In Younger Patients

• We can offer screening routinely from 45 years of age for people without any symptoms without a GP consultation.
  • This means we can find cancer earlier in people not yet eligible for NHS testing.
• If you have symptoms then we can offer testing for adults of all ages with a GP consultation.

Testing More Often

• We offer testing every year for people without symptoms.
• This proven approach gives the maximum benefit for detecting colon cancer earlier. In studies of tens of thousands of patients this reduced the risk of dying from colorectal cancer by 33% over a 30 year period.

Downsides of Testing

• Not everyone with a raised result will have bowel cancer. This is common to all ‘screening’ tests, we know many people having extra checks won’t be found to have cancer. This is the price of detecting cancer early.

Colonoscopy Screening

• This may be recommended for people in high-risk groups, such as with an inherited cancer risk gene or those with bowel symptoms. Some patients also choose this as a screening option. Colonoscopy is the most accurate form of screening, it also enables the removal of polyps. Polyps are benign growths, but over many years they can develop into a cancer. Removal of polyps therefore reduces future cancer risk. However, the major downside of colonoscopy screening is the preparation required beforehand and financial cost. Our GPs will be happy to discuss this option with you.