Bowel Cancer Screening in Australia: How the Home Test Works and Who Needs It
Bowel cancer screening can help detect early changes before symptoms appear. In Australia, eligible people aged 45 to 74 can complete a free bowel screening test at home every two years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Metropol Doctors in Carindale can provide advice about bowel cancer screening, symptoms, family history and follow-up care.
What Is Bowel Cancer Screening?
Bowel cancer screening checks for early signs of bowel cancer in people who do not have symptoms. The screening test used in Australia is an immunochemical faecal occult blood test, commonly called an iFOBT.
The test traces tiny amounts of blood in a bowel motion that may not be visible. Blood can sometimes be caused by bowel cancer or other bowel conditions. A positive result does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it requires further medical assessment. When bowel cancer is detected early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated.
Who Is Eligible for Screening?
You may be eligible for the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program if you:
- Are aged between 45 and 74.
- Have a Medicare card or are registered as a Department of Veterans’ Affairs customer.
- Have an Australian mailing address.
People aged 50 to 74 are generally mailed a screening kit every two years. People aged 45 to 49 can request their first free kit by contacting the National Cancer Screening Register online or calling 1800 627 701. Eligible people can also ask their doctor about obtaining a kit.
How Does the Home Test Work?
The bowel screening test is completed privately at home. The kit includes instructions and equipment for collecting small samples from bowel motions.
The general process is:
- Read and follow the given instructions carefully.
- Label and date the specimen tubes correctly
- Repeat the process as instructed, usually using samples from consecutive bowel motions.
- Return the kit using the supplied packaging.
- Avoid touching the sample directly and check the expiry date before use.
The test does not require bowel preparation, fasting or a visit to a clinic.
What Happens After the Test?
If your result is negative, you will generally be invited to complete another test in two years if you remain eligible.
Speak with your doctor if you develop symptoms or have a higher-than-average risk, even if the bowel cancer screening test was negative.
If your result is positive, your doctor may recommend further investigation, often including a colonoscopy. A positive result may be caused by bowel cancer, polyps, haemorrhoids or other conditions, so further testing is needed to determine the cause.
Do Not Wait for a Screening Kit If You Have Symptoms
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is designed for people without symptoms. Make an appointment with your GP if you notice:
- Blood in or on your bowel motion.
- A change in bowel habits.
- Ongoing diarrhoea or constipation.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Persistent abdominal pain or bloating.
- Unusual tiredness.
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely.
- Narrower-than-usual bowel motions.
These symptoms can have many causes, but they should be assessed by a medical professional. If you have severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness or fainting, seek urgent medical care.
Who May Need Earlier or Additional Assessment?
You may need a different screening plan if you have:
- A close family history of bowel cancer.
- A personal history of bowel cancer or bowel polyps.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. ● An inherited bowel cancer syndrome.
- Previous abnormal bowel screening results.
People with increased risk may need medical review, genetic advice, regular colonoscopies or other investigations. Ask your GP when screening should begin and which test is most appropriate for you.
Why Is Regular Screening Important?
Bowel cancer can develop without obvious symptoms. Completing the home test every two years, when invited or eligible, can help detect hidden blood at an earlier stage.
To stay up to date:
- Complete the test as soon as you receive it.
- Follow the collection instructions.
- Return the kit promptly.
- Record when you completed the test.
- Tell your GP about any symptoms or family history.
- Attend follow-up appointments if the result is positive.
Screening is most effective when it is repeated at the recommended interval.
Bowel Cancer Screening at Metropol Doctors
Metropol Doctors can support your bowel health through:
- Discussion of bowel cancer screening.
- Assessment of bowel symptoms.
- Review of personal and family history.
- Advice after an abnormal screening result.
- Referral for further investigation when required.
- Gastroenterology referral where appropriate.
- General health and preventive care.
Your GP can help you understand whether the standard home test is suitable or whether you require additional assessment.
Book a Bowel Health Appointment in Carindale
If you are eligible for bowel cancer screening, have received a positive result or are concerned about bowel symptoms, book an appointment with Metropol Doctors.
Call (07) 3343 0000 or book an appointment online.
For information about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, visit the Australian Government screening program or call 1800 627 701.
This article provides general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. A negative screening test does not rule out bowel cancer if symptoms are present.