I had no symptoms. But bowel cancer screening saved me.

Written by: Paul Thomas

13/04/2026

A north east London resident is urging people to complete their NHS bowel screening test after a routine home kit led to the early detection of his cancer and ultimately saved his life.

Joel was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 after completing his screening test at home. Although he had no symptoms, the results indicated that further investigation was needed, and he was quickly referred for a colonoscopy at Homerton Hospital, followed immediately by a CT scan. The diagnosis confirmed Stage 2 bowel cancer.

From the moment his screening result was received to his operation, just seven weeks passed. Joel believes that the speed of his treatment, and the fact the cancer was detected at an early stage, made a crucial difference to his outcome. Because the cancer was caught early, it was smaller and easier to treat, highlighting the life-saving potential of screening.

Now, almost five years on, Joel remains cancer-free and is approaching the end of his post-operative surveillance programme this July. His message is clear: when the test arrives, it is vital to complete it.

Bowel cancer screening

Bowel cancer screening is offered by the NHS to people aged 50 to 74 every two years and can be done in the privacy of your own home using a simple FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) kit. The test checks for tiny traces of blood in a stool sample that would not otherwise be visible.

Early-stage bowel cancer often has no symptoms, meaning screening can detect the disease before people feel unwell, or even identify changes that could become cancer in the future.

To receive the kit, it is vital that you are registered with a GP and that your GP has up-to-date home address details for you.

Joel’s advice

Joel is now passionate about encouraging others to take part in screening and to approach a cancer diagnosis with openness and positivity. He advises people to take notes during their treatment, as medical information can be complex and overwhelming.

He also stresses the importance of talking about cancer, both to ease personal fears and to support others. Through sharing his experience, he has been struck by how many people come forward with their own stories once they find someone who understands. He believes that mindset plays a powerful role in recovery, and that sharing experiences can help dispel fear and uncertainty.

He also encourages people to ask questions and seek reassurance when needed. While the word “cancer” can still feel frightening, he emphasises that outcomes have improved significantly and that many people go on to live full lives after treatment. For Joel, maintaining a positive attitude—and even a sense of humour—has been an important part of his journey.

Joel is also keen to recognise the care he received, praising the NHS for its high-quality treatment and support throughout. He describes the service as world-class, highlighting not only the clinical care but also the compassion and encouragement shown by staff.

His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of bowel cancer screening. A quick and simple test, completed at home, can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable, and can ultimately save lives.