National Bowel Screening

What is the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP)? 

NBCSP is a national program that aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. Eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 are mailed a free test every 2 years. They must have a Medicare card and an Australian mailing address. 

Why bowel screening is important? 

Bowel cancer often develops without any symptoms and may grow for years before spreading to other regions of the body. Bowel screening can detect traces of blood in your poo, that may arise from a tumour. If bowel cancer is detected early, more than 90% can be successfully treated. According to a study by the Cancer Council Australia, screening can reduce deaths by 15-25%. 

Bowel screening test 

The bowel screening test will be mailed to you as part of the Australian Government’s NBCSP. You just need to collect 2 small samples for the test kit from 2 different poos. Then return them in the reply-paid envelope to the pathology lab. 

What happens if blood is detected?

• Your GP will refer you to a colorectal surgeon for a colonoscopy if you have a positive test (i.e. blood detected) 

• Most positive tests are NOT the result of cancer. However, if cancer is detected early through the program, the chances of it being successfully treated are high 

What if I have symptoms? 

• Bowel cancer screening is designed to check for signs of bowel cancer in people who do NOT have any obvious symptoms.  

• If you are younger than 50, or over 74 and concerned about bowel cancer, or if you have a family history of bowel cancer, or if you have any bowel or systemic symptoms (unexplained weight / appetite loss), please talk to your GP. Your GP will refer you to a colorectal specialist for further management, which will include a colonoscopy.