How to Get Free Bowel Cancer Tests on the NHS and Who Needs Prostate Checks

Some men are at higher risk of prostate cancer and are more likely to benefit from having PSA tests.

Dr Zoe reveals how you can get free bowel cancer tests on the NHS – and who needs prostate checks.

Our resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.

Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who is concerned that they are no longer being sent poo tests.

If you’re aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP you will automatically get a bowel cancer screening home test (FIT test kit) through the post every two years.

Q: I’m a man aged 81 and I’m no longer sent poo tests. Do you think I should request one, and should I request a prostate test too?

A: Thank you for writing in, I think this is something that many readers will relate to. If you’re aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP you will automatically get a bowel cancer screening home test (FIT test kit) through the post every two years. The age limit was recently lowered to 50, after The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign called on the Government to extend testing to save lives. If you’re aged 75 or over, you can ask for a home test kit every two years by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060. Similarly, women who are 71 or over can still choose to have breast screening every three years, but they will not be automatically invited, so will need to proactively request a screening appointment.

As far as your prostate is concerned there isn’t an NHS screening programme for prostate cancer as of yet. But men can request a PSA blood test from the age of 50 years. It’s important to research the pros and cons of doing so first so that you can make an informed decision. Prostate Cancer UK has some helpful resources on its website, including a risk checker.

How to check your prostate cancer risk. Some men are at higher risk and are more likely to benefit from having PSA tests. These include black men over the age of 45, men with a family history of prostate cancer who are over the age of 45 and men with confirmed genetic risk factors for the disease, for example the BRCA2 gene variation.