Surgical oncology
Colorectal, upper GI, pancreatic, skin and other solid cancers from a surgical perspective. AMC tests red flags, appropriate referral pathways and screening.
High-yield points
Colorectal cancer red flags: rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, iron deficiency anaemia, weight loss; refer for colonoscopy.
Positive bowel screening (iFOBT) result needs colonoscopy within about 30 days, not a repeat test.
Early-onset colorectal cancer (under 50) is rising in Australia; do not dismiss rectal bleeding in young adults.
Painless obstructive jaundice with a palpable gallbladder (Courvoisier's law) suggests pancreatic or distal biliary cancer.
Dysphagia for solids that progresses, with weight loss, needs urgent endoscopy.
Tumour markers (CEA, CA 19-9, CA-125) are for monitoring, not screening or diagnosis alone.
Cancer care follows Optimal Care Pathways and multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings.
India vs Australia
Where the answer the AMC marks correct differs from what’s usually taught in Indian MBBS.
| Aspect | India (MBBS)What you learn in MBBS | Australia (AMC)What the exam marks as correct |
|---|---|---|
| Common cancers | Oral and head-and-neck (tobacco chewing), cervical and breast cancer lead. | Prostate, breast, bowel, melanoma and lung lead. Bowel cancer rates are among the world's highest. |
| Bowel cancer screening | No national program. | Free iFOBT every 2 years mailed at 50-74 (requestable from 45). |
| Lung cancer screening | No program. | National Lung Cancer Screening Program since July 2025: low-dose CT for high-risk current and former smokers aged 50-70. |
| Care coordination | Oncologist or surgeon-led. | Multidisciplinary team meetings and Optimal Care Pathways, with the GP kept involved throughout. |
Common cancers
India (MBBS)
Oral and head-and-neck (tobacco chewing), cervical and breast cancer lead.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Prostate, breast, bowel, melanoma and lung lead. Bowel cancer rates are among the world's highest.
Bowel cancer screening
India (MBBS)
No national program.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Free iFOBT every 2 years mailed at 50-74 (requestable from 45).
Lung cancer screening
India (MBBS)
No program.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
National Lung Cancer Screening Program since July 2025: low-dose CT for high-risk current and former smokers aged 50-70.
Care coordination
India (MBBS)
Oncologist or surgeon-led.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Multidisciplinary team meetings and Optimal Care Pathways, with the GP kept involved throughout.
The Australian context
Australia has one of the world's highest bowel cancer rates, and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program mails free iFOBT kits every 2 years to people 50-74 (45-49 year olds can request one). The National Lung Cancer Screening Program started in July 2025 for high-risk current and former smokers aged 50-70.