***Recent update to bowel cancer screening age*****
As of July 1, 2024, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program lowered the eligibility age for free, at-home faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) from 50 to 45 years.
As part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, eligible patients receive a free at-home FOBT.
A positive FOBT result indicates the presence of hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of various gastrointestinal conditions. It's important to note that whilst FOBT is a useful screening tool, it does not directly detect colorectal cancer but suggests the need for further investigation.
Potential Causes of Positive FOBT Results:
Colorectal Cancer: A positive FOBT can be indicative of colorectal cancer, though not all positive results are due to cancer.
Adenomas or Polyps: Benign growths and precancerous growths can bleed leading to positive FOBT results.
Diverticular Disease: Conditions like diverticulosis can cause bleeding in the colon, resulting in a positive test.
Haemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus can bleed, leading to positive results.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause intestinal bleeding.
Angiodysplasia: Abnormal blood vessels in the colon can lead to bleeding detected by FOBT.
Recommended Follow-Up Steps:
If a FOBT result is positive, a colonoscopy is typically recommended to identify the source of bleeding. This procedure helps in diagnosing the underlying cause of the bleeding, facilitating early intervention, and improving patient outcomes.
Most patients with positive FOBT will usually be eligible for Direct Access Colonoscopy- being booked directly for a colonoscopy with a valid referral for their General Practitioner without the need for a prior consultation with a gastroenterologist. You can make an inquiry through our website or upload your referral through our website.
Recent updates:
Recent updates to colorectal cancer screening guidelines in Australia have introduced significant changes to the recommended starting age for FOBT. As of July 1, 2024, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program lowered the eligibility age for free, at-home FOBT from 50 to 45 years. This means that individuals aged 45 to 74 are now encouraged to participate in biennial (every two years) screening
Key Points:
Screening Age: The recommended age to begin FOBT screening is now 45 years for individuals at average risk of bowel cancer
Test Frequency: Eligible individuals should complete the free, at-home FOBT every two years.
Test Provision: Those aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive test kits by mail. Individuals aged 45 to 49 can request their first kit online or by calling the National Cancer Screening Register
These changes aim to enhance early detection of bowel cancer, improving treatment outcomes. It's important to note that individuals with a family history of bowel cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier or undergo more frequent testing. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate screening schedule based on personal risk factors.
For further information regarding the free bowel screening test or how to do the test, please visit: