Home Cancer Information Library When you should get screened for bowel cancer

When you should get screened for bowel cancer

Cancer screening can be crucial in the early detection of bowel cancer. Screening has shown to improve survival rates through the early detection of cancer. Finding cancer early, often means there are more treatment options available to you and increases your chances of successful treatment. In Australia, national screening programs are available for breast cancer, bowel cancer and cervical cancer. By understanding how screening works, its importance, and who should get screened, individuals can take proactive steps towards their health.  

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest cancer in Australia. Early detection can significantly improve your chance of early intervention with improved survival outcomes. If detected early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated.

When you should get screened for bowel cancer

Download your free Bowel Cancer Treatment Guide

Be informed, feel empowered. Our free guide will help you make decisions about your, or your loved ones, care.

Learn more

How bowel screening worksHow bowel screening works

Population screening for bowel cancer is available through the Australian Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), which targets Australians with increased risk of colon cancer. The Australian Government introduced the NBCSP to reduce the number of deaths from bowel cancer through early detection and intervention. The NBCSP provided test is called an immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT). The home testing kit is designed to detect traces of blood in your faeces (poo) not usually visible to the human eye.

The bowel cancer screening test is simple, quick and can be done at home. Participants need to collect two small samples from two separate bowel movements using the provided kit, which includes detailed instructions, collection tubes and a reply-paid envelope. It’s essential to send the samples for testing promptly, especially in hotter climates, to maintain accuracy. Results are usually provided within four weeks.

Who should have a bowel screenWho should have a bowel screen

The NBSCP targets all Australians with an increased risk of bowel cancer aged 45 years to 74 years to participate in the 2 yearly screening program. Australians aged 45-49 can join the NBSCP by requesting a kit. People in this age group can request their first kit by completing the form available online at: www.ncsr.gov.au/boweltest or calling the NBCSP Helpline: 1800 627 701.

Australians aged 50 to 74 are automatically invited to take part in the screening program and will receive a free test kit delivered to their address every two years.

Population screening (NBCSP) does not replace your regular GP visits to review current symptom’s (listed below) lasting longer than two weeks. The GP should refer you immediately for a colonoscopy within 30 days as per current guidelines.

Symptoms related to bowel cancer include:

Blood in your faeces (poo)
Obvious change in bowel habits including constipation and diarrhoea, or incomplete opening of bowels
Weight loss you can’t explain
Extreme tiredness or iron deficiency anaemia
Lump or swelling, bloating of abdomen

NBSCP does not replace regular surveillance screening based on colonoscopy for individuals with higher risk factors including a history of colon polyps/cancers, high risk family genetics, formal diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Your GP should be consulted for individual advice if population screening through the NBCSP is appropriate or an individualised surveillance pathway is required.

For more information, consult the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening on the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal cancers.

Other helpful resources

Become a patient

Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.

Download your free Cancer Diagnosis Checklist

Be more informed and have an active role in your care; download 'Questions to Ask Your Doctor After Cancer Diagnosis'.

Care at Icon

At Icon, care is more than just a word. Our cancer care team are here to support you with compassion, knowledge and hope.

Iconic Community

Our patients share their perspective and advice.

The content found on the Icon Cancer Centre website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified medical professional. Our website is designed to provide information and support to the general public. Please be mindful that we do not dispense medical advice, and for personalised medical guidance, we strongly advise you to consult with a qualified medical professional or doctor.

References

Australia, C. (2012). Screening. www.canceraustralia.gov.au. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/awareness/screening

Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Bowel cancer screening in Australia National Bowel Cancer Screening Program monitoring 2022. https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/947bfdfd-60be-4d12-a347-efa6bf9b4771/aihw-can-148-fact-sheet.pdf.aspx

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023). Doing a bowel screening test. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program/doing-a-bowel-screening-test

Bowel Cancer Australia. (2018). What is Bowel Cancer? Bowel Cancer Australia. https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/what-is-bowel-cancer

Bowel Cancer Australia. (2018). Most Comprehensive Bowel Cancer Resource – Bowel Cancer Australia. Bowelcanceraustralia.org. https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/

Back to Cancer Information Library