The answer is simple. BOWEL CANCER SCREENING SAVES LIVES.

Bowel cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Australia, yet it is also one of the most treatable — especially when detected early. According to Bowel Cancer Australia, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated if found early. That’s why screening is so important.

The challenge? Early-stage bowel cancer often causes no symptoms. That’s where screening plays a critical role — it helps detect early cancer and can also detect some pre-cancerous polyps that can be excised before cancer develops, allowing for simple and highly effective treatment, often by endoscopic therapy and without the need for major surgery.

There are two ways to screen for bowel cancer –

1. The Poo Test

This test is for those with NO SYMPTOMS. This test is also called a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and looks for tiny traces of blood in your stool which may not be visible to the naked eye. The blood may come from haemorrhoids, bowel polyps (a growth of the bowel lining) or early-stage bowel cancer. The test is quick, easy to do at home, and could save your life. We would recommend testing from age 45 onwards for most people in line with updated Australian Guidelines. 

Bowel cancer is no longer an older person’s disease. Over 11% of Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under 50 years of age. If you are aged 45 years or older, take the test when it arrives.

Don’t delay — early action makes a big difference.

2. Colonoscopy

If your poo test comes back positive, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. But your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy to investigate further. 
Around 8% of all tests return a positive result, but only 3-4% of these positive tests will identify a cancer. However, around 50% of these positive tests will identify a significant pre-cancerous polyp that can be removed at a colonoscopy procedure. 

A colonoscopy is a simple procedure that allows a specialist to examine your bowel. Pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure, often preventing cancer from developing at all. If cancer is found early, it may be treated endoscopically, at colonoscopy, thus avoiding major surgery and offering a very high chance of cure.

If you HAVE SYMPTOMS such as blood in your poo or rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain or weight loss, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy instead of the Poo Test.

At GastroNorth, we work closely with GPs and provide a high quality endoscopy service. If your GP has recommended a colonoscopy for bowel cancer screening, an appointment with one of our experienced gastroenterologists can be organised by calling our friendly staff on 9468 9700 or emailing us your referral at [email protected]

Do you have a family history of bowel cancer?

If bowel cancer runs in your family — especially if diagnosed at a young age (before age 60)— your risk is higher. Talk to your GP about whether you should have colonoscopy as your screening test or whether you should start FOBT screening earlier or be having it more often. Being proactive can make all the difference.

Screening Works

As gastroenterologists, our goal is to see a marked reduction in the rate of bowel cancer in the community. Most cases of bowel cancer can be prevented with screening. However, currently only around 43.5% of eligible Australians are completing the free screening test. That means too many people are being diagnosed too late.

Let’s change that. Talk to your GP. Do the test. Spread the word. Screening can stop cancer before it starts — and save lives.

Disclaimer – This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a registered health professional regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment options.