Getting diagnosed
You usually start by seeing your GP. They will ask you about your general health and symptoms and will also examine you. This might include an examination of your back passage (rectum). Your doctor will then decide whether to do tests or refer you to a specialist.
Seeing your GP when you have symptoms of bowel cancer
See your doctor if you notice a change in your bowel habit that isn't normal for you or if you have any other of the possible signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
Referral to a specialist
Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to bowel cancer. With an urgent referral you should see a specialist within 2 weeks.
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer screening aims to check for bowel cancer or abnormalities that could lead to bowel cancer.
Screening for people at high risk of bowel cancer
People with some conditions have a higher risk of getting bowel cancer at a younger age than usual. They might have screening earlier than the normal NHS bowel cancer screening programme.
Tests for bowel cancer
You might have a number of tests to check for bowel cancer. This includes a test that looks for tiny traces of blood in a sample of poo (FIT) and a test to look at the inside of your bowel (colonoscopy).
Tests on your bowel cancer cells
Tests on your cancer cells can diagnose cancer and look for gene changes. Some of these tests can show how well particular treatments might work.
