As of July 2024, the national bowel cancer screening program began offering screenings to Australians from 45 years of age, reflecting the importance of early detection in successful treatment.
How do you screen for bowel cancer and why?
1. The Poo Test (Faecal Occult Blood Test – FOBT)
This free test is designed for people without symptoms. It checks for tiny, invisible traces of blood from the lower gut in your stool, which may be caused by such things as polyps, haemorrhoids, or early-stage cancer. The test is quick, easy to do at home, and could save your life. We would recommend testing from age 45 onwards for most people in line with updated Australian Guidelines.
- Australians aged 50 to 74 automatically receive a free test kit every two years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
- Those aged 45 to 49 can now request a free test kit by registering online.
- If you're between 40 and 45, speak to your GP about whether early screening is right for you.
Over 11% of bowel cancer cases occur in Australians under 50. If you’re aged 45 or older, take the test when it arrives. Don’t delay — early action makes a big difference.
2. Colonoscopy
If your poo test comes back positive, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. But your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy to investigate further. Around 8% of all tests return a positive result, but only 3-4% of these positive tests will identify a cancer. However, around 50% of these positive tests will identify a significant pre-cancerous polyp that can be removed at a colonoscopy procedure.
A colonoscopy is a simple procedure that allows a specialist to examine your bowel. Pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure, often preventing cancer from developing at all. If cancer is found early, it may be treated endoscopically, at colonoscopy, thus avoiding major surgery and offering a very high chance of cure.
If you have symptoms like blood in your poo, changes in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy instead of a FOBT.
Have a Family History of Bowel Cancer?
If bowel cancer runs in your family — especially if diagnosed at a young age (before age 60)— your risk is higher. Talk to your GP about whether you should have colonoscopy as your screening test or whether you should start FOBT screening earlier or having it more often. Being proactive can make all the difference.
Screening Works — Let’s Increase the Rate
Despite how treatable bowel cancer is when detected early, only 43.5% of eligible Australians complete the free screening test. That means too many people are being diagnosed too late.
Let’s change that. Talk to your GP. Do the test. Spread the word. Screening can stop cancer before it starts — and save lives.
Dr. Joshua Butt
Gastroenterologist
John Fawkner Private Hospital
267 Moreland Rd, Coburg, 3058
P 03 9468 9700
F 03 9468 9701
Dr Joshua Butt is a gastroenterologist who performs procedures at John Fawkner Private Hospital. Appointments for a consultation or procedure can be organised through his main room consulting rooms at Gastronorth.
Bowel cancer information
https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program
https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel_cancer
https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-bowel-cancer-booklet
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