A study testing a motivation-based messaging, planning tool, and a suggested deadline to help people aged 50–74 in North East England take part in NHS bowel screening
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and finding it early can save lives. The NHS offers free home testing kits to people aged 50 to 74, but many kits are never sent back. The BENE-FIT study aims to see if simple support materials sent by post can encourage more people to complete their test. Researchers are testing two ideas: positive messages with a simple planning tool, and a suggested deadline for returning the kit. People due for screening in North East England will receive either standard NHS letters or letters with these extra helpful tools. You do not need to sign up or attend any appointments; it happens automatically through standard NHS screening post. Six months later, researchers will check anonymous NHS records to see if the extra materials helped more people take part.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. When it is caught early, treatment is much more likely to be successful. To help catch cancer early, the NHS sends free, easy-to-use testing kits in the post to people aged 50 to 74. These kits allow you to collect a tiny sample of poo at home to check for hidden traces of blood.
Even though the test is simple and done in private, many people do not return their kits. People might feel nervous, find the test unpleasant, put it off, or simply forget. The BENE-FIT study wants to find out if sending slightly different letters in the post can make it easier for people to get the test done and returned on time.
Researchers are testing practical tools based on behavioural science. One tool shares encouraging messages showing that many other people take part, and helps you make a plan for when you will do the test. Another tool suggests a clear date to aim for when sending the kit back. Some people will receive one tool, some will receive both, and others will receive the standard NHS letter.
By comparing how many kits are returned across these groups, researchers hope to discover the most effective way to help people take part in screening. If successful, these small changes could be rolled out across the NHS, helping more people catch bowel cancer early and saving lives.
Key takeaways
- The BENE-FIT trial tests whether simple planning tools and deadline reminders help more people complete bowel screening.
- It is for people aged 50 to 74 in North East England who are due for their routine NHS bowel cancer test.
- There are no clinic visits, medications, or extra tasks involved.
- Materials arrive through the normal post alongside your screening invitation.
- The findings could help improve bowel cancer screening uptake across the UK.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged 50 to 74 who live in North East England in an area covered by the North East Bowel Cancer Screening Hub. To be included, you must be due to receive your routine NHS bowel cancer screening kit in the post.
You cannot take part if you are not currently due for NHS bowel cancer screening, or if you live outside the North East screening area. People who have officially chosen to opt out of NHS health research through the National Data Opt-Out scheme are also excluded.
You do not need to sign up, fill in an application form, or speak to your doctor to join. If you are eligible, you are included automatically when your normal NHS screening invitation is sent.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged between 50 and 74.
- I live in an area covered by the North East NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Hub.
- I am due to receive my routine NHS bowel cancer screening kit.
- I have not opted out of NHS research through the National Data Opt-Out service.
What does participation involve?
Taking part does not require any hospital visits, clinic appointments, or phone calls. There are no new medicines to take and no blood tests. Everything happens through the normal post. You will simply receive your regular NHS bowel screening kit, along with either standard information or the new helpful planning leaflets. You just read what arrives and decide whether to complete your test as you normally would. Six months later, the research team will look at anonymous NHS data to see if your kit was returned. The main study runs from July to October 2026, with health data checked six months after that.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Gateshead - Queen Elizabeth HospitalCity onlyGateshead, England
- NHS EnglandApproximateLondon, England
Common questions
Do I have to go to a clinic or hospital for this study?
No. There are no appointments or visits. Everything arrives through the post at your home address.
What does the home screening test involve?
It uses a simple plastic stick to collect a tiny sample of your poo at home, which you then seal in a prepaid envelope and post to an NHS laboratory.
Do I have to pay anything to take part?
No. The NHS bowel cancer screening kit and all study materials are completely free.
Will researchers see my name or personal medical notes?
No. Researchers will only look at anonymous records that show whether a kit was returned, without any names or identifying personal details.
What if I do not want my NHS records used in this research?
You can opt out at any time by registering your choice on the NHS National Data Opt-Out website.
How to find out more
Daryl O'Connor
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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