Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Screening is a simple and effective way to find bowel cancer or early signs of it before it is serious. This helps to prevent unnecessary deaths.

If you’re aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP, you’ll be sent FIT kit every two years. This is also called a faecal immunochemical test. If you haven’t received your kit and would like one, please call the free phone number 0800 707 6060. You can also call this number if you have any questions about the kit.

If you're aged 75 or older, you won’t automatically get a kit. You can still request one by calling 0800 707 6060.

Most people who take this test will have normal results. However, around 2 in 100 people may get an abnormal or positive result. If this happens, we will invite you to meet a UCLH specialist bowel screening nurse. At this appointment we'll discuss the next steps and arrange for you to have a colonoscopy. This is a test to look inside your bowels. Colonoscopies are available at University College Hospital and Whittington Hospital.

UCLH is the screening centre for the North Central London area. This covers Camden, Islington, Haringey, Enfield and Barnet. The centre works in partnership with the London Programme Hub. The hub is located at St Mark’s Hospital and plays a major role in coordinating the programme in London.

UCLH also works with local health teams, hospitals, and the Cancer Alliance. Together they work to improve services and raise awareness of the screening programme.

The centre plays an important role in:

  • Organising and facilitating nurse clinics for people with abnormal test results.
  • Carrying out further tests and investigations where people have had an abnormal test result.
  • Supporting people during procedures and investigations.
  • Scheduling and facilitating follow-up clinics to give people their test results.
  • Organising and facilitating multidisciplinary team meetings. At these meetings they discuss patient care and treatment options.
  • Reporting progress and outcomes to people’ GPs.

For more information about bowel cancer and the screening programme:

If you have an abnormal FIT result and live in the North Central London area, we'll offer you an appointment at UCLH. The appointment will be with specialist screening practitioner (SSP) within two weeks of your test result. At this appointment the SSP will:

  • Explain why the test results may be abnormal.
  • Explain why you need a further procedure.
  • Assess your fitness for colonoscopy.
  • Explain what happens during the colonoscopy procedure.
  • Make you an appointment for the colonoscopy.

The SSP handles your care during the test process. Once your results are ready, we will explain the next steps based on the findings. You may return to regular screening, with another kit in two years. Or, if needed, we'll refer you for further medical care.

If you have questions or concerns about your FIT contact an SSP on 020 3447 3201.

If you have any queries, please contact our programme manager Tom Smith. 

Or phone our specialist screening practitioner on 020 3447 3201.

Other cancer services at UCLH