Bowel Cancer Risk Screening
Advanced Diagnostic Protocol
Clinical Significance
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, yet it is highly treatable when caught early — more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer diagnosed at the earliest stage. Our Bowel Cancer Risk Screening uses the Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (QFIT) — the same technology used in the NHS national screening programme — alongside Faecal Calprotectin, an inflammation marker that helps assess bowel conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Both are simple, non-invasive stool tests.
Led by Nurse Luciana
Expert blood draws and comprehensive written reports for every protocol.
Biomarker Blueprint
Clinical Measurements
Bowel Cancer Markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a QFIT test?
The Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test detects tiny amounts of human blood in a stool sample — amounts far too small to see. Blood in the stool can be an early sign of bowel cancer or polyps. The "quantitative" element means we measure the exact concentration rather than a simple yes/no, giving your GP more useful information if follow-up is needed.
Q. How is this different from NHS bowel screening?
The NHS sends FIT kits every two years to people aged 50–74 in England. Our service uses the same validated technology but is available at any age, at any time, with a lower detection threshold reported quantitatively, plus Faecal Calprotectin — an inflammation marker the NHS kit does not include.
Q. What does Faecal Calprotectin add?
Calprotectin is released into the bowel during inflammation. Raised levels can indicate conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and help distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which does not raise calprotectin. It adds a second dimension to your bowel health assessment.
Q. What happens if blood is detected?
A positive FIT result does not mean you have cancer — most positive results are caused by polyps, haemorrhoids or other benign conditions. It does mean further assessment matters: we will advise you to see your GP, who can arrange colonoscopy. Quantitative results help the GP prioritise appropriately.
Q. I have symptoms — bleeding, changed bowel habit, weight loss. Should I screen?
No — please see your GP directly. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain need proper clinical assessment through the NHS pathway, which is rapid for suspected bowel cancer. Screening is for people without significant symptoms.
Clinical Protocol
No fasting or dietary restriction is required. You will be provided with a simple collection kit and clear instructions. Please avoid testing during menstruation or if you have bleeding haemorrhoids, as this can affect results.
- Standard Medical & Lifestyle Questionnaire
- Height
- Weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Gentle Blood Draws by Our Registered Nurse
Our South Kensington Clinic
Not sure which test you need? We'll guide you.
Book a health screening without choosing a package — our registered nurse will call you before your visit to talk through your health goals and recommend the right tests for you. No obligation, and you only pay in clinic for what you choose.
Guided bookings open from two days ahead so our team can call you first. Outside clinic hours? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll reply as soon as we open.
Bowel Cancer Risk Screening — Private QFIT & Calprotectin Test in London
A non-invasive bowel cancer risk screening using the Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (QFIT) — the same evidence-based technology as the NHS programme — plus Faecal Calprotectin for bowel inflammation. Available at any age at our South Kensington clinic, with results in around five working days and a written nurse report.
What's Included
- Quantitative FIT (hidden blood in stool)
- Faecal Calprotectin (bowel inflammation)
- Simple home collection kit and instructions
- Written report by a registered nurse
Not Included (Upgrade Available)
- —Colonoscopy or imaging
- —Diagnosis — a positive result requires GP follow-up
- —Assessment of active symptoms (see your GP directly)
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults under 50 not yet eligible for NHS screening
- People aged 50–74 wanting testing between NHS rounds
- Those with a family history of bowel cancer or polyps
- People who want the added calprotectin inflammation marker
- Anyone who missed or delayed their NHS kit
Why bowel screening is worth doing
Bowel cancer usually develops slowly from small growths called polyps, often bleeding microscopically long before symptoms appear. Detecting that hidden blood is precisely what FIT technology does — and the evidence base is strong enough that it underpins the entire NHS national programme. Screening from a younger age is increasingly discussed as bowel cancer rates rise in under-50s; our service makes the same technology available to adults of any age who choose it.
QFIT and Calprotectin together
Combining the two markers gives a broader view of bowel health. QFIT addresses the bleeding question; calprotectin addresses inflammation. A person with gut symptoms and normal calprotectin is statistically far more likely to have IBS than inflammatory bowel disease, while raised calprotectin directs attention towards conditions that benefit from early specialist care. Your written report explains both results and exactly what, if anything, to take to your GP.
Simple, private and dignified
The collection kit is small, hygienic and used in the privacy of your own home — modern FIT sampling takes seconds. Return the sample to our clinic and results follow in around five working days through our secure portal. There is no bowel preparation, no dietary restriction and no discomfort involved.
Important: This is a screening (risk assessment) blood test, not a diagnostic test. No blood test can confirm or rule out cancer on its own. Results outside the reference range do not mean you have cancer, and normal results do not guarantee its absence. If you have symptoms, or your results are unexpected, we will advise you to discuss them with your GP, who can arrange further investigation where appropriate.
"Our Bowel Cancer Risk Screening provides the comprehensive insight you need to take control of your health. Every biomarker is carefully analysed and results are reviewed by our clinical team."
Nurse Luciana, Lead Clinical Nurse
Same-day appointments available in South Kensington
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