Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Australia, and around 80 Australians die each week from the disease. Bowel cancer can be treated successfully if detected in its early stages, but currently fewer than 40 per cent of bowel cancers are detected early. Bowel Cancer Screening Pathway
About the Program
People eligible to participate in the program will receive an invitation through the mail to complete a simple test called a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the privacy of their own home and mail it to a pathology laboratory for analysis. There is no cost involved in completing the FOBT. These screening tests have been shown in overseas clinical trials and in the Bowel Cancer Screening Pilot Program to be simple to use and highly effective. Participants with a positive FOBT result will be advised to discuss the result with their doctor, who will generally refer them for further investigations, usually a colonoscopy.
Tasmania's Bowel Cancer Screening Program has a Pathway Follow-Up Co-ordinator for participants who have completed the faecal occult blood test and received notification of a positive result. The Co-ordinator provides telephone support and information on navigating the screening pathway and liaises with the participants, treating health professionals, specialists, surgeons and endoscopy units to encourage participants to the program goal of investigative colonoscopy.
Update - National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
People who are within the eligible population will be invited to take part in the program. The eligible population is Australians turning 50, 55 or 65 years of age between January 2011 and December 2014, who hold a Medicare card or DVA gold card.
Early detection of bowel cancer through screening has the potential to prevent as many as 2000 deaths every year.
Bowel cancer can develop with few, if any, early warning sings and early detection through screening can save lives. All people who receive a replacement kit are encouraged to retake the test to obtain a reliable result. Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world and bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related death after lung cancer.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program commenced in August 2006 with screening people aged 55 and 65 years. The Australian Government allocated additional funding of $87.4 million to expand the Program and from 1 July 2008 people turning 50 years of age between January 2008 and December 2010 became eligible for screening.
More information on the re-screening can be obtained from the Program Information Line on 1800 118 868 or read the Screening Retest Fact Sheet.
Where can I go to get an FOBT if I am not eligible to participate in the program?
There are two main types of FOBT - immunochemical tests and traditional chemical (guaiac) tests.
The immunochemical FOBT has been selected as the preferred testing method for the program, in contrast to the guaiac FOBT, as it has no restrictions on diet or medication.
The type of immunochemical FOBT being used in the program is called 'Detect™' (Siemens Medical), but is not available for purchase by the public.
Guaiac FOBTs require a person not to consume red meat, specific fruit and vegetables (for example, raw broccoli,) vitamin C supplements, aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for three days prior to taking the first test sample and throughout the testing period.
You can speak with your doctor or pharmacist about purchasing an FOBT.
For more information regarding screening for bowel cancer, speak to your doctor or call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.
For more information:
Visit the Cancer Screening Government website www.cancerscreening.gov.au or call the Information line on 1800 118 868
Bowel Cancer & Digestive Research Institure of Australia www.bowelcanceraustralia.com / www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
(The 2007 'It's Crunch Time' Campaign was substantially funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing www.itscrunchtime.org)