Australia has one of the highest bowel cancer rates in the world, so screening is a big deal.
- Who: people aged 50-74 are mailed a free immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) kit every 2 years. People aged 45-49 can request their first kit and then join the program.
- How: the patient collects two small stool samples at home and posts them to the lab.
- Positive result: the patient needs a colonoscopy, ideally within about 30 days. Do not repeat the iFOBT.
- Results go to the patient and nominated GP, and are recorded on the National Cancer Screening Register.
Who should not rely on screening:
- Symptomatic patients (rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, iron deficiency anaemia) need diagnostic investigation, not a screening kit.
- People with a significant family history may need earlier or colonoscopic surveillance per national guidelines.
Participation is only around 40%, so GPs actively encourage return of kits.