Screening information for Transgender and Non-binary individuals - About bowel screening
Who: People aged 50 to 74
When: Every two years
Test: Poo sample kit completed at home and returned by post
Bowel screening can save lives by finding bowel cancer early.
Contact Bowel Screening Wales (Need to link this contact page)
Things you need to know about bowel screening
Everyone aged 50 to 74 will be invited to take part in bowel screening every two years.
A bowel screening test kit and information pack will be sent to you in the post when you are due for screening.
The test kit is quick and easy to use and only one small poo sample is needed.
The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo which you may not be able to see. This may be a sign of bowel cancer.
General information
If blood is found in your sample, you will be referred for further tests. This may involve you having a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is where a small flexible camera is inserted into your back passage (bottom) to look at the lining of your bowel.
If you have had gender reassignment surgery you may find having a colonoscopy more uncomfortable. You may want to talk to your screening nurse or doctor about this before having the test. If you find talking to your doctor difficult, you may want to get support from someone you trust to do this for you.
Taking part in screening is your choice. If you do not want to be invited for bowel screening you will need to contact Bowel Screening Wales, who will explain how you can opt out.
Signs and symptoms you should look for
You may feel well even if you have early bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is more common as you get older. You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following.
- Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo.
- Obvious change in bowel habit.
- Weight loss which is unexplained.
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason.
- Lump or pain in your tummy.
For more information, visit the Bowel screening page.
Page last reviewed: 4th February 2026