What follow-up actions should I take if a patient has a positive result from the bowel cancer screening test?

If a patient has a positive result from the bowel cancer screening test, the appropriate follow-up action is to refer the patient urgently using a suspected cancer pathway referral for further diagnostic assessment, typically colonoscopy, to confirm or rule out colorectal cancer.

Primary care clinicians should not be reassured by a previous normal screening result if symptoms develop and should refer patients urgently if clinical suspicion arises despite screening results.

Patients should also be advised about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and encouraged to seek urgent medical review if these develop, regardless of screening participation.

Additionally, primary care can support the screening programme by promoting uptake and providing information on lifestyle measures to reduce bowel cancer risk.