Are You Ignoring This Free Life-Saving Test? Cornwall Residents Urged to Take Up Bowel Cancer Screening

A simple home test could save your life—have you taken yours?

Stay Well champion Debbie from Cornwall and Scilly’s bowel cancer screening service is urging residents to take advantage of the free screening programme, which helps detect bowel cancer early when it’s far more treatable.

Bowel Cancer: The Third Most Common Cancer in the UK

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, and early detection is key to improving treatment outcomes. Debbie is reminding people of the importance of screening, sharing the video message above to raise awareness about the risks and benefits of getting checked.

Who Can Get a Free Test?

In Cornwall, bowel cancer screening is available to anyone aged 50 to 74. If you’re registered with a GP, you’ll automatically receive a home test kit in the post every two years. The simple test can help catch early signs of cancer before symptoms even appear.

For those 75 and over, you can still request a home test kit every two years by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.

Know the Warning Signs

No matter your age, it’s crucial to see your GP if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Changes in your bowel habits, especially going to the toilet more often
• Having diarrhoea for several weeks
• Bleeding from your back passage

Taking action early can make all the difference, and this free screening could be a life-saving step. If you’re eligible, don’t ignore your kit when it arrives – take the test and protect your health.