There are plans for a bowel cancer screening programme for Wales. This is likely to begin towards the end of 2008-2009. Routine screening will be offered to men and women between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age, and will take place every two years.

We don't have more details about the planned screening programme but it is likely that it will be similar to that planned for Scotland and England. These screening programmes involve the use of FOB test kits, with referral to hospital and the offer of a colonoscopy to people with positive test results.

You can find more information about the current English and Scottish bowel cancer screening programmes at www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel and www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk

If you have any concerns about your bowel health in the meantime go to see your GP in the usual way.