In short: Bowel cancer screening uses a simple test you do at home to check for tiny amounts of blood in your faeces that you cannot see. Through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can get a free home test kit every two years. Bowel cancer is one of Australia's most common cancers, and when it is found early, it is very treatable — so screening matters even when you feel completely well.
What Is Bowel Cancer Screening?
Bowel cancer screening looks for early signs of bowel cancer in people who have no symptoms. The screening test used in Australia is an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) — a test that checks for tiny traces of blood in your faeces (poo) that you cannot see with the naked eye.
Blood in the bowel can be an early warning sign of bowel cancer or of growths called polyps that can sometimes develop into cancer over time. Because these changes often cause no symptoms at first, the test can pick up a problem before you would ever notice anything yourself.
Screening is not the same as a test you do when you are unwell. It is a routine check for healthy people, designed to catch things early.
Why Does Bowel Cancer Screening Matter?
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia and is one of the leading causes of cancer death. The encouraging news is that when bowel cancer is found early, more than 9 in 10 cases can be successfully treated.
Screening helps find bowel cancer — or the polyps that can lead to it — at an early stage, often before there are any symptoms. Doing the test regularly, every two years, gives the best chance of picking up changes early. Taking part in screening is one of the most useful things you can do for your bowel health, even if you feel perfectly well.
What Is the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program?
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is a free, government-funded program that helps eligible Australians screen for bowel cancer at home. It provides the iFOBT home test kit at no cost and sends your results to you by mail, within four weeks of the laboratory receiving your samples.
The program is delivered through the National Cancer Screening Register, which keeps track of when you are due and sends reminders. Your GP can also help you take part and can discuss your results with you.
Who Is Eligible?
The program offers a free test every two years for people aged 45 to 74 with an Australian mailing address who either hold a green Medicare card or are registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Check the program’s current eligibility conditions if you are unsure. How you receive your kit depends on your age:
- Aged 50 to 74 — a free kit is mailed to you automatically around the time you are due
- Aged 45 to 49 — you can request your first free kit, as kits are not yet mailed automatically to this age group
People aged 45 to 49 can request a kit by calling the program or completing the online request form through the National Cancer Screening Register. Anyone aged 45 to 74 can also ask their GP about getting a kit. If you are unsure whether you are due or eligible, your GP can check for you.
How Does the Home Test Work?
The iFOBT is designed to be quick, clean and done in the privacy of your own home. The kit comes with full instructions, and in general the steps are:
- Use the kit over two separate bowel motions (you collect two small samples)
- Use the supplied toilet liner and collection stick to take a tiny sample from each bowel motion
- Seal each sample in the tube provided
- Complete the participant details and mail the samples to the laboratory in the reply-paid envelope included in the kit
You do not need to change your diet or stop any medicines for this test, but always follow the instructions in your kit. Your results are then mailed to you, within four weeks of the laboratory receiving your samples.
What Do My Results Mean?
A negative result means no blood was found in your samples. This is the most common result. It does not guarantee you will never develop bowel cancer, so it is important to keep doing the test every two years and to see your GP if you ever develop symptoms.
A positive result means traces of blood were found. This does not mean you have cancer — blood in the faeces can come from many causes, such as haemorrhoids, and most positive results are not due to cancer. However, a positive result does need to be followed up. Your GP will talk with you about the next step, which is usually a referral for a colonoscopy.
What Happens After a Positive Result?
If your test is positive, the recommended next step is usually a colonoscopy. This is a procedure in which a specialist uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera to look directly at the lining of your bowel. It allows them to find the source of the blood and, if any polyps are present, often to remove them at the same time.
Your GP will arrange a referral and explain what to expect. It is important not to delay following up a positive result, even if you feel well.
What Are the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?
Screening is for people without symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you should see your GP promptly rather than waiting for a screening kit. Symptoms that warrant seeing a GP include:
- Blood in your faeces (poo) or rectal bleeding
- A lasting change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or going more or less often than usual
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal (tummy) pain, cramping or bloating
- Unexplained tiredness or weakness
These symptoms are often caused by something other than cancer, but they should always be checked. Do not wait for your next screening test if you notice any of them.
When Should I See a Doctor?
See your GP if you notice any of the symptoms above, particularly blood in your faeces or a change in your bowel habits — and do not wait for a screening kit if you have symptoms. You should also speak with your GP if you have a strong family history of bowel cancer or polyps, as you may need to start screening earlier or have a different type of check. And if you receive a positive screening result, see your GP to arrange follow-up.
How Reliance Medical Centre Can Help
Our GPs at Reliance Medical Centre in Truganina can help you take part in bowel cancer screening — including checking whether you are due, helping eligible patients request a kit, and explaining how to do the test. If you have symptoms or a positive result, we can assess you and arrange a colonoscopy referral where appropriate. Bowel screening also fits within broader preventive health care, which our team is happy to discuss with you. Tell reception your preferred language when booking so they can confirm available language or interpreter support.
To talk with a GP about bowel cancer screening, book an appointment online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bowel cancer screening test really free?
Yes. The iFOBT home test kit is provided free of charge through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for eligible Australians aged 45 to 74. There is no cost for the kit or for the laboratory testing of your samples.
Who can get a free bowel screening kit?
The program invites people aged 45 to 74 to screen every two years. People aged 50 to 74 are usually mailed a kit automatically, while those aged 45 to 49 can request their first kit through the National Cancer Screening Register or by speaking with their GP. If you are unsure whether you are eligible or due, your GP can check for you.
How often should I do the test?
For most eligible people, bowel screening is recommended every two years. Doing the test regularly gives the best chance of finding changes early. The screening register sends reminders when you are due, and your GP can also help you keep track.
Do I need to do the test if I feel well?
Yes — screening is specifically for people who feel well and have no symptoms, because bowel cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. The test can detect changes before you would notice anything yourself. If you do have symptoms, see your GP promptly rather than relying on the screening test.
Does a positive result mean I have bowel cancer?
No. A positive result means blood was found in your samples, but it does not mean you have cancer. Blood can come from many causes, and most positive results are not due to cancer. A positive result does need follow-up, however, which usually means a colonoscopy arranged through your GP.
What should I do if I notice blood in my poo?
See your GP as soon as possible, and do not wait for a screening kit. Blood in the faeces is often caused by something other than cancer, but it should always be assessed by a doctor. Your GP can examine you and arrange any tests that may be needed.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — About the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
- Australian Government Department of Health — National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
- Cancer Council Australia — Bowel cancer screening
- Healthdirect Australia — Bowel cancer screening and Bowel cancer
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have symptoms such as blood in your faeces, a change in your bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, please see your GP promptly rather than waiting for a screening test. Only a doctor can assess your individual situation.
