Who the Jersey bowel cancer screening programme is for
The Jersey Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is offered to men and women in Jersey born between 1 January 1960 and 31 December 1964. If you were born between these dates, and have not received an invitation to be screened, call +44 (01534) 444376 or email the Bowel Screening Team
By the end of 2023 the programme will be extended to a wider age group aiming to screen all Islanders in the year they turn 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, and 65.
About the screening
In Jersey we offer the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a free home bowel screening test. This test looks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool (poo) that you might not be able to see.
Blood may be a sign of polyps or bowel cancer. Polyps are growths in the bowel. They are not cancer but may become cancerous over time, if not removed.
The FIT test involves collecting a small sample of stool (poo) with the collection kit. This is done in your own home. The kit is then posted to the laboratory using a pre-paid envelope.
The sample is analysed to see if there is any blood in it.
If you need more information email the Bowel Screening Team or call +44 (0) 1534 444376
Using the FIT kit
More translated videos from the NHS (including Portuguese and Polish)
Write the date of your sample on the label on the sample tube.
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Use a container or layers of toilet paper to catch your poo. Do not let your poo touch the toilet water
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Scrape the surface of your poo to cover the grooves on the end of the stick as shown. Don't add too much!
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Push the lid closed with a 'click'. Flush the toilet paper and wash your hands'.
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Make sure you have written the date on your sample. Put the sample tube into the envelope provided and seal. Post your sample back within two weeks of the date on your letter.
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The results
You should receive a results letter within 3 weeks of sending in your sample. There are 2 possible outcomes
No further tests needed at this time
Most people have a normal result. It means that we did not find any blood in your sample, or only a tiny amount which is within the screening range. We will offer you bowel cancer screening again in 2 years time.
Further tests needed
A positive result means blood was found in your stool (poo). It does not necessarily mean that you have bowel cancer, but we will need to find out where the blood is coming from.
You will be offered an appointment with a Specialist Nurse to talk about having another test called a colonoscopy to look for the cause.
A colonoscopy involves passing a thin flexible tube (with a camera on the end) into the bowel . This is done in the hospital endoscopy unit. This test checks the inside of your bowel for pre-cancerous polyps and cancer.
No bowel screening test is 100% effective. A normal result doesn't mean that you definitely don't have, or will never develop bowel cancer in the future. Being aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and reducing your risk is very important.
If you have concerns
If you have concerns about unusual bowel symptoms, visit your GP.
Easy read
Having a bowel screening easy read leaflet
gov.je