Screening for bowel cancer .. see also - occult blood testing (order kit) www.enterix.com.au/

For the first time we have evidence that screening for bowel cancer can reduce the risk of death from bowel cancer in people over the age of 50.

The faecal occult blood test

The faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a simple test which has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death for people aged over 50.

Men and women over the age of 50 should have an FOBT at least every two years.

What is involved in the test?

The FOBT involves collecting several small smears of faeces (bowel motions) on a slide.
You do the test in your own home, collecting samples from three bowel motions before returning them to your doctor or laboratory for analysis.
Your doctor will advise you if some special dietary restrictions are required during the testing period.
The test can detect microscopic amounts of blood in faeces.
If there is blood present, this may have come from a cancer in the bowel.

What if I have a positive screening test?

A positive result using the FOBT means that blood has been detected in the sample, and bowel cancer may be present.

Everyone who has a positive test should have further tests to find out whether or not they have bowel cancer. Most will not have cancer, but a few will, and early diagnosis will greatly improve their chance of cure. Remember, there is a 90 per cent chance of cure if the cancer is found at an early stage.

Where can I get my test?

Ask your doctor about a test. You can also contact the Cancer Information and Support Service on 13 11 20.