Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) can develop without early warning signs or symptoms. The cancer can grow inside the bowel for many years before it is detected. Often, small amounts of blood can leak from these growths and pass into bowel motions.
A faecal occult blood test (FOBT) can detect minimal amounts of blood in your bowel motions.
The test involves taking samples from two or three bowel motions using a test kit. These are analysed at a pathology laboratory, and if blood is detected, further tests may be required.
The primary type of FOBT in Australia is immunochemical or iFOBT. Test kits are sent out to Australians from the age of 50 as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. They can also be purchased at pharmacies. Immunochemical tests do not require changes to diet or medication, and samples are only taken from two separate bowel motions.
Although FOBT is not the most accurate diagnostic test for bowel cancer, it is currently the most well-researched screening test, and cheapest and most acceptable test available. An FOBT is also non-invasive, compared to colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.
If you have no symptoms or family history of bowel cancer, a FOBT is recommended every two years from age 50.
Risk increases significantly after the age of 50. You are also at a greater risk if you have:
If you are at increased risk, discuss screening options with your doctor.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is a population-based screening program for bowel cancer.
The National Bowel Screening Program, using FOBT, is offered free to all Australians aged 50-74 every two years. Screening kits usually arrive within six months of your birthday.
A test kit is mailed to people eligible for the program. Samples are collected in the privacy of your home and sent to a pathologist for analysis. Results are sent to you and your GP. If the FOBT is positive, further tests are needed.
Cancer Council recommends all Australians aged 50 and over screen for bowel cancer with an FOBT every two years.
If you are not eligible for a free test under the national screening program, you can still be tested. Contact your GP to discuss options. Your GP can request an FOBT, which is eligible for a Medicare benefit. Most pathology practices bulk bill for this test.
Other options:
You should discuss the use of FOBT kits with your GP before purchasing a kit.
If your FOBT results are positive, this means blood has been detected in your sample. About one in 14 people will have a positive FOBT result.
Bleeding may be caused by a number of conditions, including polyps, haemorrhoids or inflammation, and may not necessarily be cancer related. However, the bleeding needs to be investigated and if blood is detected, you should contact your doctor to discuss the results and what further tests will be required.
A negative test result means that no blood has been detected in the samples provided. This does not mean that you do not have or won't develop bowel cancer in the future. If you have a negative result you should test again in two years.
Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor.
