Have you been screened for Bowel Cancer?

In honour of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, we want to remind our patients of the importance of participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Bowel Cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, claiming the lives of 103 Australians per week - but it is one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early. When found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated! We strongly recommend that all eligible patients participate in the screening program.

Changes to the screening program

From 1 July 2024, the Government is lowering the eligible screening age for the program from 50 to 45 years of age. 

• Eligible people aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit be mailed to them. 

• Eligible people aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every 2 years. 

Your next test kit will automatically be mailed every 2 years after your last screening test is completed.

Why bowel screening is important?

Bowel cancer often develops without any symptoms. The cancer can grow in the bowel for years before spreading to other parts of the body. Very small amounts of blood can leak from these growths and pass into your faeces (poo). These tiny amounts of blood are not noticeable just by looking – that's where screening comes in. Screening can find tiny amounts of blood in your poo that may be a sign of bowel cancer.

How does the test work?

The bowel screening test is an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT). It can detect tiny amounts of blood in your poo which can be a sign of bowel cancer.

You just need to collect 2 tiny samples from 2 different poos. Then mail them to the pathology lab in the reply paid envelope with the completed participant details form.

You can watch a video on how to do the test, or read the test kit instructions in 22 languages.

You and your doctor will receive the results within 4 weeks.

If you have any questions regarding bowel cancer screening, please speak to one of our doctors by booking an appointment today!