Bowel Cancer Screening Programmes
Supporting population-based bowel cancer screening through quantitative faecal immunochemical testing
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with the risk of developing colorectal cancer generally increasing with age. Screening programmes and recommendations vary across the globe, reflecting differences in national healthcare systems, eligibility criteria and screening pathways. Across the 11 territories we support in the UK and Europe, we help raise awareness of bowel cancer and the importance of early detection, including the role of screening in identifying potential signs of cancer before symptoms develop. In England, for example, the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers FIT (faecal immunochemical testing) every two years to eligible individuals aged 50–74.
FIT is a non-invasive test that detects and quantifies human haemoglobin in stool samples. Elevated faecal haemoglobin concentrations may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding associated with colorectal polyps or cancer, helping identify individuals who may benefit from further investigation.
By providing a simple, home-based method of sample collection, quantitative FIT supports population-based screening programmes, facilitating earlier detection and more targeted use of diagnostic investigations.
From Invitation to Further Investigation
- 1Sample Collection
Eligible individuals receive a FIT collection kit and collect a small stool sample at home before returning it for laboratory analysis.
- 2Quantitative FIT analysis
The laboratory measures the concentration of human haemoglobin in the sample, producing a quantitative result that can be assessed against the screening programme's threshold.
- 3Further Investigation
Individuals with FIT results at or above the programme's threshold are offered further assessment, typically including colonoscopy. A positive FIT result does not necessarily indicate bowel cancer but identifies those who may benefit from further investigation.
Why FIT for Bowel Cancer Screening?
Non-invasive home sampling
Quantitative laboratory analysis
Suitable for high-volume screening
Supports further investigation
Mast's Role in Bowel Cancer Screening
Mast Group has supported the development and adoption of quantitative FIT in bowel cancer screening since 2005 and has supplied FIT diagnostics to the NHS England Bowel Cancer Screening Programme since 2019. Today, Mast supports screening programmes across 11 territories in the UK and Europe.
As screening programmes evolve, including NHS England's progressive reduction of the FIT threshold from 120 to 80 µg Hb/g faeces, laboratories face increasing demands for reliable, high-volume testing and efficient screening pathways.
Drawing on its extensive experience, Mast supports screening services with quantitative FIT solutions, accessible sample collection options and specialist technical expertise, helping laboratories meet the changing requirements of population-based screening.
Supporting participation in Bowel Cancer Screening
Encouraging participation remains an important priority for bowel cancer screening programmes, with uptake varying across age groups and patient populations. Clear instructions, accessible collection materials and convenient return pathways can help address practical barriers to completing and returning FIT samples.
Mast Group offers collection solutions designed to accommodate different patient and service requirements. MAST FITpac provides customised, ready-to-use collection packs with tailored patient instructions, while MAST FITaid supports individuals who may experience difficulties with conventional sample collection.
Together, these solutions help screening providers address practical barriers to sample collection and support a more inclusive screening experience.
Supporting Screening from Collection to Analysis
Delivering FIT at population scale requires a reliable pathway from sample collection through to laboratory analysis.
Mast Group supports screening services across this journey, bringing together patient sample collection, automated quantitative FIT analysis and the technical expertise needed to support routine service delivery.
The OC-SENSOR PLEDIA provides high-throughput quantitative FIT analysis, supporting laboratories managing large sample volumes while maintaining consistent analytical workflows.
Solutions for Bowel Cancer Screening
Further Information & Guidance
Explore national guidance and resources relating to bowel cancer screening, quantitative FIT and patient sample collection.
NHS Bowel Cancer Screening - Professional Guidance
Screening pathways, programme standards and quality assurance information.https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bowel-cancer-screening-professional-guidance
NHS England - FIT Screening Threshold Update
Information on the reduction of the screening threshold from 120 to 80 µg Hb/g faeces.NHS FIT Sample Collection Instructions
Official patient guidance and accessible sample collection resources.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-cancer-screening-kit-how-to-use
Planning or expanding a FIT screening service?
Our specialist team works with laboratories and screening programmes to support sample collection, implementation, quantitative FIT analysis and ongoing service delivery