A positive result from a faecal occult blood test does not necessarily mean that you have bowel cancer.  However, the presence of occult (hidden) blood in your stool samples does require further investigation.  A positive result may also alert you to other conditions in the bowel which are not cancerous but which may still require treatment and/or further investigation.  On receipt of a positive result it is essential that you see your doctor who will then decide on the appropriate action to take.

A negative result shows that occult (hidden) blood has not been detected in your stool samples.  However, as a negative result does not entirely exclude the presence of gastrointestinal disease, it is important to repeat the test every year which is the normal recommended screening interval. We will automatically send you a reminder letter when your next test is due.