Urgent cancer warning as NHS says 'don't put it off'

Urgent cancer warning as NHS says 'don't put it off' Doing this could help detect one of the UK's most deadly cancers before you get symptoms The NHS has issued an urgent cancer warning, telling people “don’t put it off”. Following this advice could help catch one of the UK’s deadliest cancers sooner rather than later. In a message posted to social media platform X, the NHS urged people to use a bowel cancer screening kit when it is sent out to them. The procedure involves collecting a small stool sample and posting it for laboratory analysis. Those registered with a GP receive a test automatically, referred to as a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), every two years. Your first kit arrives at age 50, 52 or 54, depending on your date of birth. The NHS explained: “The NHS bowel cancer screening kit can detect signs of cancer before you notice anything is wrong. They’re sent to everyone aged between 50 and 74. “If you’re sent one, put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.” If you believe you qualify for bowel cancer screening but haven't received an invitation or your testing kit, you can contact the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060. You'll usually get the results of your bowel cancer screening home test (FIT kit) within two weeks after sending your poo sample but sometimes it can take longer. You will get a letter telling you the results. If your result says you need further tests it means blood was found in your poo and needs to be investigated. You'll be invited to an appointment with a specialist nurse. Symptoms of bowel cancer The NHS outlines the primary symptoms of bowel cancer as: - Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you - Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you - Blood in your poo, which may look red or black - Bleeding from your bottom - Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet - Tummy pain - A lump in your tummy - Bloating - Losing weight without trying - Feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer Consult your GP if you've experienced any bowel cancer symptoms for three weeks or longer.