Although collecting a sample may not seem pleasant, Dr Abdul Sheikh explains it can be the difference between life and death.

One in 14 men and one in 19 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer at some point in their life, but few people Waltham Forest take advantage of the free test.

In the borough, just 43 per cent of people aged between 60 and 69 years have taken part in the bowel screening programme.

Dr Sheikh, NHS Waltham Forest CCG Clinical Director, said: “Everyone should be doing this free and simple test.

“Like everyone who is over sixty years old and registered with a GP every two years I am sent a bowel cancer screening test through the post.

“The test, which I do in the privacy of my own bathroom looks for abnormalities that could be the signs of bowel cancer. Even though I eat a balanced diet, take regular exercise and look out for anything unusual for me I still do the test and return it every time it's sent to me.

“I am not going to pretend that doing the test is enjoyable but I always do it because I know how important it is as it could help spot cancer early, which could save my life. The kit is a simple way to collect small samples of bowel motions.

“You wipe samples on a special card, which you then send in a hygienically sealed Freepost envelope to a laboratory for testing. There are detailed instructions with each kit.

“Storing the samples properly means that the process is not unhygienic or dirty, and the postage to return the kit is pre-paid, so there is no cost to complete the test.

“As well as doing screening it's important to keep an eye out for changes to your bowel habits and let your GP know. Changes can include: bleeding from your bottom or blood in your stools and or a change in normal bowel habits to diarrhoea or looser stools, lasting longer than four weeks.

“The risk of cancer increases as we get older and while we can’t stop the time clock, we can take up the free screening that’s offered through the NHS. This could enable you to live a healthier life for longer, which means more time to do the important things in life, like spending time with your loved ones.

“If you have an older person in your family, especially if English is not their first language, please talk to them about the importance of returning the kit.”

Kits can be accessed via freephone 0800 707 60 60 or by asking a GP surgery.

People aged over 75 will not automatically be sent a testing kit every two years but they can request one by calling the same number.

Bowel cancer screening is coordinated using information held by your local GP. It is important to register with a GP if you have not already done so. To find one near you, visit www.nhs.uk