Symptoms of bowel cancer [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/symptoms/ Bowel Cancer UK. Symptoms of bowel cancer [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/ Bowel cancer screening [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/ Bowel cancer screening [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/bowel-screening Bowel cancer screening [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/bowel-screening/ Public Health Wales. Bowel Screening Wales [Internet]. Available from: https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/screening/bowel-screening/

Bowel cancer signs, symptoms and screening

Learn the early signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and how screening can help detect it at an early, more treatable stage.

A person living with bowel cancer, wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and checked pyjama bottoms, sits holding their abdomen in discomfort. A lamp glows softly in the background.

What are the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer?

You may notice:

Blood in your poo
Bleeding from your bottom
A change in your bowel habits that is unusual for you, such as going more or less often than usual or having diarrhoea or constipation that may come and go
Often feeling like you need to poo even after you have just been
Pain or a lump in your lower tummy
Bloating
Losing weight without trying
Feeling very tired or short of breath which can be signs of anaemia that can sometimes be caused by bowel cancer

Having these symptoms does not mean you have bowel cancer, but it is important to speak to your GP if you notice anything new, ongoing or unusual for you. Knowing the symptoms and attending bowel cancer screening can help make sure bowel cancer is found early.

Find out what increases your bowel cancer risk

Bowel cancer screening

Bowel cancer screening is a home test that checks for signs of bowel cancer.

In the UK, the test is called the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) which looks for tiny amounts of blood in a sample of your poo. The test kit is sent to your home and you send it back in the post to be tested for free.

Screening can find cancer early, even before symptoms have started. Finding bowel cancer early can make treatment more effective.

Find out how to reduce your bowel cancer risk

Who is invited to bowel cancer screening?

In most of the UK, bowel cancer screening is offered every 2 years to people aged 50 to 74. In Northern Ireland, screening is offered every 2 years to people aged 60 to 74.

If you are below the screening age and are worried about symptoms, speak to your GP.

If you are aged 75 or over, you can still have screening every 2 years, but you need to request a kit by calling the UK bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.

For more information, speak to your GP or visit the NHS bowel cancer screening page.