Bowel Cancer Screening in Mallorca

Book your bowel cancer screening now, or read on to learn more about your testing options

Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, but when it is detected early it is often highly treatable. Screening tests look for early signs of disease before symptoms appear, allowing problems to be identified at a much earlier stage.

At |The Huxley Practice in Palma de Mallorca, we offer bowel cancer screening using a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test). This simple stool test looks for tiny amounts of blood that may indicate early changes in the bowel.

Our screening test includes two samples to improve sensitivity, and all results are reviewed by a doctor. Testing can be arranged either as part of a consultation or through our Straight-to-Lab service, allowing patients to access screening easily and conveniently.

What is bowel cancer screening?

Bowel cancer screening aims to detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms develop.

The most common first-line screening method is the FIT test, which checks a stool sample for small amounts of blood that are not visible to the naked eye. Small traces of blood can sometimes be an early sign of polyps or bowel cancer.

Because bowel cancer often develops slowly over many years, screening can detect problems long before a person becomes unwell, making treatment far more effective.

Who should consider bowel cancer screening?

Many countries recommend routine bowel cancer screening from around 45–50 years of age.

However, screening may also be appropriate for:

Adults who want reassurance about their bowel health
People with a family history of bowel cancer
Patients who have not previously participated in national screening programmes
Younger individuals who wish to be proactive about their health

In our practice we frequently see patients who prefer earlier screening for peace of mind, particularly when they have seen friends or family affected by cancer at a young age.

If you have symptoms, however, screening tests are not appropriate and you should see a doctor for assessment.

How the fit test works

The FIT test is a simple, non-invasive screening test that can be completed at home.

The process is straightforward:

You collect small stool samples using a simple sampling kit
The samples are returned to our partner laboratory in Mallorca
The laboratory checks for microscopic traces of blood
Your results are reviewed by a doctor at Huxley Medical

Our screening package uses two stool samples, which improves the sensitivity of the test compared with single-sample screening.

Results are usually available within a few days. If an abnormal result is detected, we will guide you on the appropriate next steps.

Bowel cancer screening in mallorca

We offer bowel cancer screening for residents and visitors in Mallorca.

Testing is performed through a trusted partner laboratory in Palma, with medical oversight provided by our clinic.

Patients can access screening in two ways:

As part of a GP consultation, where we can discuss your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate testing
Through our Straight-to-Lab service, which allows eligible patients to order screening directly online with doctor review of the results

Our aim is to make high-quality preventive healthcare accessible for the international community living in Mallorca.

When to see a doctor instead of screening?

Screening tests are designed for people without symptoms.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assessment rather than relying on screening tests alone:

Persistent changes in bowel habits
Blood in the stool
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent abdominal pain
Ongoing fatigue or unexplained anaemia

These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer is present, but they should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Order a bowel cancer screening test

If you would like to check your bowel health, you can order our doctor-reviewed FIT bowel cancer screening test online.

The test includes:

A two-sample FIT screening kit
Laboratory analysis in Mallorca
Doctor review of your results
Guidance on next steps if anything abnormal is detected

You can order the test directly through our website using our Straight-to-Lab service.

Order your bowel cancer screening test here.

Frequently asked questions

Is the FIT test accurate?

The FIT test is widely used in national bowel cancer screening programmes and is considered an effective first-line screening test. Using two samples improves sensitivity and detection rates.

Do I need a colonoscopy?

Most people with a normal FIT result do not require further testing. If blood is detected in the sample, further investigation such as colonoscopy may be recommended.

How often should screening be repeated?

Many screening programmes recommend repeating FIT testing every 1–2 years, depending on individual risk factors.

Can younger adults be screened?

Yes. Although most national programmes begin screening from age 45–50, some younger individuals choose screening for reassurance, particularly if they have concerns about their risk.

How do I collect the sample?

You will receive a FIT sampling kit from either Huxley Medical or our partner laboratory in Palma. The kit contains small collection tubes and clear instructions. After opening the kit at home, you simply use the sampling stick provided to collect a small amount of stool from the surface of your bowel movement.

The sample is then placed back into the collection tube and sealed securely.

How much stool is needed?

Only a very small amount is required. The sampling stick is designed to collect the correct quantity automatically. You do not need to fill the container with stool — just a small sample on the tip of the stick is sufficient for analysis.

Our screening test uses two small samples, collected from two separate bowel movements, which improves the sensitivity of the test.

Do I need to prepare before collecting the sample?

No special preparation is required.

You can eat and drink normally before collecting the sample, and you do not need to stop any usual medications. Simply collect the samples according to the instructions in the kit and return them to the laboratory.

How accurate is the FIT test?

The FIT test is widely used in national bowel cancer screening programmes around the world.

It is estimated to detect around 75–85% of bowel cancers when present, and it is particularly good at identifying cancers that are bleeding. Using two samples, as we do in our screening package, helps improve the chance of detection to over 96% (source: Gerrard AD et al. Double faecal immunochemical testing in patients with symptoms suspicious of colorectal cancer. Br J Surg. 2023.).

If a test result is positive, further investigation such as colonoscopy may be recommended to determine the cause.

FIT screening tests detect the vast majority of colorectal cancers, particularly those that are actively bleeding. However, no screening test is perfect. A small number of cancers may not bleed at the time the sample is taken, which means the test can occasionally return a normal result even when disease is present.

This is why screening programmes repeat FIT testing at regular intervals, typically every 1–2 years. Repeated screening greatly increases the chance of detecting problems early.

FIT screening is intended for people without symptoms. If you have symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain, you should seek medical assessment rather than relying on screening tests alone.

How does the testing process work?