Bowel screening age checker

A home test kit arrives in the post every two years once you reach screening age. The age depends on where you live, so pick your nation.

Your details

Bowel screening in England, age 52

Every 2 years

you are in the screening age range

Ages50 to 74
How oftenevery 2 years, a home test kit (FIT)
First kit in Englandat 50, 52 or 54, depending on when you turned 50

The kit is a small poo sample you do at home and post back. Most results are normal. Screening is for people without symptoms: if you have symptoms, do not wait for a kit.

See your GP if you have blood in your poo, a change in your bowel habit, tummy pain or weight loss you cannot explain, whatever your age.

The working

Born 15 June 1974, in England

They are 52 now, inside the 50 to 74 range, so a kit should come every 2 years. In England the first kit comes at 50, 52 or 54, depending on when you turned 50. Pick Northern Ireland instead and the answer changes, because NI currently screens from 60 and is moving down in steps.

By nation

Screening ages

Nation	Ages	How often
England	50 to 74	every 2 years
Scotland	50 to 74	every 2 years
Wales	50 to 74	every 2 years
Northern Ireland	60 to 74 now; 59 from 2 November 2026, 58 from April 2027, 50 to 74 by 2031	every 2 years

In England, people 75 and over can ask for a kit by calling the free helpline on 0800 707 6060.

Symptoms

Screening is not for symptoms

If you have bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, a change in your usual bowel habit, or tummy pain or a lump, see your GP. Do not wait for a screening kit.

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Know your exact invite dateIt depends on local rounds.
Replace a GP visit for symptomsSymptoms need a GP appointment.
Update your addressTell your GP surgery if you move.

Questions

Common questions

What age does bowel screening start in England?

At 50. The first kit comes at 50, 52 or 54, depending on when you turned 50, and then every 2 years until 74.

When does bowel screening start in Northern Ireland?

At 60 for now. It moves to 59 from 2 November 2026 and 58 from April 2027, reaching 50 to 74 by 2031.

Can I get a bowel screening kit after 75?

In England, yes: call the free helpline on 0800 707 6060 to ask for one.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Talk your results through

If a result worries you, book a chat with your GP or practice nurse, or ask a pharmacist. Call NHS 111 if you feel unwell and are not sure what to do, and 999 in an emergency.