Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Its symptoms are often caused by other, less serious conditions, but they should be checked. NHS screening helps find it early.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 1 source
At a glance
- Bowel cancer symptoms are often caused by other, less serious things.
- NHS screening uses a simple home test kit for eligible ages.
- Getting symptoms checked early gives the best chance of treatment.
On this page (5 sections)
Overview
Bowel cancer is cancer that starts in the large bowel (the colon and rectum). It is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK [1].
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include a change in your normal bowel habit, blood in your poo, tummy pain or bloating, and losing weight without trying. These symptoms are very common and are usually caused by other, less serious conditions — but it is worth getting them checked [1].
Bowel cancer screening
The NHS bowel cancer screening programme sends a home test kit (called a FIT kit) to people in eligible age groups, to help find bowel cancer early — often before any symptoms appear [1].
Treatment
Treatment depends on where the cancer is and how far it has spread, and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Finding it early makes treatment more likely to succeed [1].
When to see a GP
See a GP if you have symptoms that last 3 weeks or more, or if you notice blood in your poo. It is probably nothing serious, but it should be checked [1].
Sources
- NHS. Bowel cancer (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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