Bowel Cancer Screen – Home
£75.00
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early.
Our at-home Bowel Cancer Screen test offers a simple, discreet and clinically proven way to check your bowel health from the comfort of your own home.
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UKAS Accredited Labs
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CE Marked Tests
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Clinically Designed
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Why choose the Bowel Cancer Screen?
In its early stages, bowel cancer often causes no obvious symptoms. This means many people are diagnosed later, when treatment can be more complex and not as effective.
Our test uses qFIT (Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test) - this is the same technology recommended and used in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme. It detects tiny traces of blood in your stool that are invisible to the naked eye. This can be an early warning sign of bowel cancer or pre-cancerous polyps.
Why it matters:
- Early detection saves lives - Bowel cancer can be highly treatable when found early.
- Convenient and non-invasive - You do not need to attend any appointments or procedures.
- Reassurance and clarity - Get peace of mind when your results are normal, and take action as early as possible if they are not.
Bowel health screening is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your future health. It's simple, discreet and evidence-based, allowing you to take control of your bowel health today.
By completing the test at home, you can do so in privacy and at your convenience, while taking a proactive step towards protecting your long-term health.
If you have active symptoms, please also contact your GP in the first instance. This test is a complement to clinical care, not a substitute for it.
Why choose the Bowel Cancer Screen?
In its early stages, bowel cancer often causes no obvious symptoms. This means many people are diagnosed later, when treatment can be more complex and not as effective.
Our test uses qFIT (Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test) - this is the same technology recommended and used in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme. It detects tiny traces of blood in your stool that are invisible to the naked eye. This can be an early warning sign of bowel cancer or pre-cancerous polyps.
Why it matters:
- Early detection saves lives - Bowel cancer can be highly treatable when found early.
- Convenient and non-invasive - You do not need to attend any appointments or procedures.
- Reassurance and clarity - Get peace of mind when your results are normal, and take action as early as possible if they are not.
Bowel health screening is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your future health. It's simple, discreet and evidence-based, allowing you to take control of your bowel health today.
By completing the test at home, you can do so in privacy and at your convenience, while taking a proactive step towards protecting your long-term health.
If you have active symptoms, please also contact your GP in the first instance. This test is a complement to clinical care, not a substitute for it.
Who is this test for?
This test is suitable if you:
- Are a man or woman aged 40 or over, giving you access to bowel cancer screening earlier than the NHS programme, which currently begins at 50 in England
- Have a family history of bowel cancer
- Have noticed changes in your bowel habits, persistent abdominal discomfort, or unexplained tiredness or fatigue
Please note, a normal result from the qFIT test does not exclude bowel pathology 100%.
Who is this test for?
This test is suitable if you:
- Are a man or woman aged 40 or over, giving you access to bowel cancer screening earlier than the NHS programme, which currently begins at 50 in England
- Have a family history of bowel cancer
- Have noticed changes in your bowel habits, persistent abdominal discomfort, or unexplained tiredness or fatigue
Please note, a normal result from the qFIT test does not exclude bowel pathology 100%.
What this test checks
qFIT stands for Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test. This stool test detects and measures tiny amounts of blood in your stool, which are invisible to the naked eye. It does this by detecting levels of a protein in red blood cells called haemoglobin. Blood in stool can be a sign of different health conditions, including bowel cancer.
How the test works
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1. Simple Home TestingCollect your sample at home using the clear instructions included in your kit. The process is designed to be quick, private, and easy to follow.
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2. Easy ReturnActivate your kit before sending it back. Place your sample in the prepaid packaging provided and drop it off at your local post office. For best results, post your kit before noon on the same day you collect your sample.
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3. Fast, Clear ResultsOnce your sample reaches our trusted lab partner, testing begins right away. We aim to deliver your results within three working days.
Your questions answered
Is the qFIT stool test difficult to do at home?
No, the qFIT stool test is easy to perform and comes with simple, clear instructions. You will need to place a small disposable plastic container in the toilet to catch your stool sample. The test kit contains everything else you need to hygienically scrape a very small amount of your stool and place it into a collection tube.
What happens if my blood test results are abnormal?
All results are reviewed by our Lead GP before being released to you. If anything requires urgent clinical attention such as a significantly abnormal haemoglobin, white cell count, potassium or sodium, we will contact you directly to arrange a complimentary follow-up call at no extra charge.
Other findings including an elevated qFIT, a raised PSA, elevated calprotectin, abnormal kidney or liver function, or iron levels outside the normal range vary in their significance depending on the degree of abnormality, your symptoms and your personal medical history. Some may require prompt attention; others will need follow-up but without the same urgency. Because context matters, our Lead GP reviews every result individually rather than in isolation. Where a result needs prompt action, we will contact you directly. Where follow-up is needed but not urgent, your report will include clear guidance on the recommended next step whether that is a GP appointment, a repeat test, or further investigation.
No result is released without clinical review, and no abnormal finding is left without a clear recommended pathway. If you have any questions about your results at any point, our clinical team is here to help.
Does a positive qFIT test mean I have bowel cancer?
No, a positive qFIT test does not mean you definitely have bowel cancer. It means you need further tests to find out why you have blood in your stools. Non-cancerous causes include polyps, peptic ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease and haemorrhoids.
How accurate is the qFIT test?
The qFIT test is a highly accurate test, with a sensitivity for detecting blood caused by bowel conditions of 87%.
How is this test different from the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening programme?
We use the same qFIT test that is used in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening programme. The threshold for a positive result in the NHS screening programme is 80 or 120 µg Hb/g, depending on your area. Our threshold is set much lower at 10 µg Hb/g, making it a more sensitive test for the early diagnosis of bowel cancer.
What happens if my qFIT test results are abnormal?
If higher-than-normal levels of blood are detected in your stool, we will recommend that you see one of our experienced Vista Health GPs or your NHS GP. They will explain your results and the next steps, which may involve a procedure called a colonoscopy.
Can I do a qFIT stool test while I’m menstruating?
No. If your test includes a qFIT stool test, you should wait until your period has finished before collecting your sample. This is because menstrual blood may affect the result and could lead to a false positive. Once your period has ended, you can complete the test as instructed.