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.

How 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.

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.

The content on the Icon Cancer Centre website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. For personalised medical guidance, please consult with your GP or another qualified healthcare provider.