How can I tell if I have a functioning colon?
The colon is part of the digestive system and stores waste material before passing it out through the rectum. (Click here for a video describing this process.) People who do not have a functioning colon cannot do this and need to make continuous use of a pouch/colostomy bag.
You may have to use a colostomy bag temporarily, eg following treatment. If so, you should be screened in the usual way, when invited, once it is removed.
If, having read this, you're still unsure whether you have a functioning colon you should check with your GP before accepting a screening invitation.
Back to frequently asked questions
- NHS BCSP home page
- Programme publications
- About bowel screening
- Why screen for bowel cancer?
- What is the purpose of bowel cancer screening?
- How is the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme organised?
- Who is eligible for bowel cancer screening?
- Age extension to bowel cancer screening
- How are GPs involved in bowel cancer screening?
- How much does bowel screening cost?
- How does the screening process work?
- What does my bowel cancer screening result mean?
- How does the FOB test work?
- What is a colonoscopy?
- What are the risks of colonoscopy?
- More information about the
screening programme- Who does what in the NHS BCSP?
- List of hubs and screening centres
- NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Evaluation Group
- Bowel cancer
- GP Pack (Information for primary care)
- NHS bowel cancer training centres in England
- The English Bowel Screening Pilot
- Evaluation of English Bowel Screening Pilot
- Evaluation of the second round of the English Bowel Screening Pilot
- Use of patient information
- Frequently asked questions
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Programme news index
- Research in bowel cancer screening
- Useful links