Bowel Cancer Screening — Help Us Catch More Cancers Earlier
Supporting earlier diagnosis across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes
Introduction
Diagnosing cancer at an earlier stage gives people a much better chance of successful treatment. Bowel (colorectal) cancer is one of Central East ICB's first priorities for improving early diagnosis, alongside strengthening screening uptake more widely.
We want to understand how much people know about bowel cancer symptoms and screening, whether people take part when invited, and what stops some people from doing so. This will help us target information and screening support where it's needed most.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be showing symptoms to take part in this survey?
No. This survey is for everyone, whether or not you've had any symptoms or been invited for screening. We want to hear from as wide a range of local people as possible so we understand awareness and experience across the whole population, not just people who have been affected.
Is this survey really anonymous?
Yes. No login or account is needed, and we don't collect your name, NHS number, or any other identifying details. Your answers can't be traced back to you.
I'm currently waiting for test results or a screening appointment — should I still fill this in?
Yes, you're welcome to take part. This survey is about awareness and experience in general, not a substitute for contacting your GP or the screening service about your own care. If you have any symptoms that worry you, please contact your GP or NHS 111 directly rather than waiting for a response here.
What happens to my answers?
Responses are combined with everyone else's to build an anonymous picture of awareness, screening uptake and the barriers people face. This directly informs how Central East ICB targets bowel cancer information and screening support across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.
Who can I contact if I have questions about bowel cancer screening itself, rather than the survey?
For questions about your own screening invitation or results, contact your GP practice or the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme helpline. For questions about this survey or engagement project, use the "Who's listening" contacts on this page.