Bowel Cancer Screening Australia

In Australia, one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers is bowel cancer. The good news is that when detected early, it can in many cases be successfully treated. That’s why bowel screening in Australia is such a vital part of preventative healthcare.

The bowel, also called the large intestine, absorbs water and nutrients from food while processing waste into bowel motions (faeces). It includes the small bowel, colon and rectum.

Most cases of bowel cancer start in the lining of the colon or rectum and progress over time. If left untreated, the cancer can invade deeper layers of the bowel wall and eventually spread to other organs like the liver or lungs. What makes bowel cancer screening important is that symptoms don’t usually appear until the disease has advanced. This means it’s very possible to have bowel cancer without knowing it.

For people aged over 50, regular bowel screening is the most effective way to detect early warning signs and begin treatment before complications develop. Through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, millions of eligible Australians receive a free test kit every two years to support early detection and better outcomes.

For patients with a positive FOBT result, a colonoscopy through Montserrat’s Rapid Access Endoscopy service is the most effective way to investigate abnormal results and provide an accurate diagnosis.

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Importance of Bowel Screening

With early diagnosis, bowel cancer can often be treated successfully, reducing the need for invasive treatment and lowering the risk of the disease progressing.

A bowel cancer screening test is a simple faecal occult blood test (FOBT) that can be done at home. It detects tiny traces of blood in stool samples that aren’t visible to the naked eye – an early sign of potential issues such as cancer or pre-cancerous polyps.

All eligible Australians aged 50–74 automatically receive their free test kit by mail every two years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, and people aged 45–49 can also opt in early through the National Cancer Screening Register.

While the at-home test is an important first step, the most effective method of bowel cancer screening is a colonoscopy. Through Montserrat’s Rapid Access Endoscopy service, patients with a positive FOBT result can contact their GP for a referral to book a colonoscopy and have their results promptly investigated.

Rapid Access Endoscopy

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is an Australian Government initiative that’s all about promoting early detection in order to reduce illness and death from bowel cancer. The program automatically sends a free at-home test kit every two years to all eligible Australians aged 50–74.

The screening kit collects a tiny sample from two separate bowel motions, preferably on the same day or on consecutive days, and the samples are then sent to a pathology analysis lab where they’re tested for hidden blood.

If blood is found, it could be an indication of bowel cancer or another condition that requires further investigation. In this case, patients can contact their GP for a referral to Montserrat’s colonoscopy service to have their results promptly reviewed.

Doing a Bowel Cancer Screening Test

Using the bowel screening kit is easy and hygienic. But best of all, it only takes a few minutes. It will detect faecal occult blood, which could indicate early signs of bowel cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions. The test is known as an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT).

You’ll receive clear instructions with your at-home kit explaining how to collect and return your samples for testing. Most people find the process quick and straightforward, with results typically sent within a few weeks.

You don’t need to refrigerate the samples but should complete and return them as soon as possible. The test kit works best in cooler months, and it’s best to avoid testing during menstruation, bleeding haemorrhoids or anal fissures.

Early Detection and Treatment

Detecting bowel cancer early gives patients the best chance of successful treatment and recovery. When found at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate in Australia is 71%.

At Montserrat, supporting bowel cancer screening is a top priority for our specialists. We work closely with your GP to ensure seamless communication and timely follow-up after any positive screening results.

If your screening test returns a positive result, your GP can provide a referral for a colonoscopy through Montserrat’s Rapid Access Endoscopy service. This ensures your results are investigated promptly and any concerns are addressed without unnecessary delay.

By identifying and removing polyps or early signs of cancer, our team helps prevent disease progression and supports better long-term health outcomes.

Rapid Access Endoscopy

Reducing the Risk of Bowel Cancer

While anyone can get bowel cancer, there are ways you can change your lifestyle to minimise your risk, such as:

  • Eating a healthy diet that’s rich in fibre and low in processed meats.
  • No smoking and limited alcohol.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.

You are also at a slightly higher risk if you have a family history of bowel cancer or conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). If you have concerns, speak with your GP.

Bottom line: regular screening is the best way to detect the early signs and improve your chances of any treatment being successful.

Bowel Cancer Screening FAQs

If you are aged 50 to 74, you will automatically get a free kit in the mail every two years via the National Cancer Screening Register. If you’re aged 45 to 49, you can also get one by requesting a kit through the Register or by contacting the test kit helpline.

Bowel cancer is most common in people aged over 50, which is why the national screening program focuses on this age group. However, in recent years, there’s been a rise in cases among younger Australians.  According to Bowel Cancer Australia, about 1 in 9 (11 %) of bowel cancer diagnoses occur in people under 50. The reasons for this trend aren’t yet clear, but it highlights the importance of paying attention to your body, recognising the early warning signs and to speak with your GP if something doesn’t feel right.

A positive test result means blood was found in your bowel motion. While that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cancer, it does mean you need some further tests. Make sure you speak to your GP as soon as possible for a referral.

If no blood was found in your poo samples, that means it’s a negative result. Please be aware that this doesn’t necessarily guarantee you won’t develop bowel cancer in the future. It’s important to keep doing the test every two years.

If you’re in the 50–74 age range, make sure you complete a screening test every two years as recommended by the Australian Government. And if you’re at higher risk, your GP will probably suggest more regular testing.