Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia, however it can be prevented if you are proactive about your health and screen regularly. We urge you to take the test – it might just save your life.

The older you are, the greater your chance of developing bowel cancer. From the age of 50 most people should complete a bowel screening test at least every two years. The simple at-home screening test looks for blood in your bowel movement that is invisible to the naked eye and can be caused by a number of bowel conditions. It does not test for cancer.

Most test kits contain a collection stick or brush used to take a small sample from two separate bowel movements. Once completed, the sample is returned to the pathology laboratory by post, or to your GP, as directed. Results are sent directly to you and to the GP you nominate on the form provided.

Only about 7% of people will have a positive test result, which is most likely due to conditions other than cancer such as haemorrhoids or inflammation of the bowel.

There is a 30-45% chance of the cause being due to polyps (pre-cancerous growths in the bowel), and less than 10% chance of the cause being bowel cancer.

If your result is positive you should make an appointment with your GP. You will generally be referred to a gastroenterologist for a follow up colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure to visually examine the bowel that takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will usually be able to go home two hours later, after the effect of the sedation wears off.

A negative test result indicates that no blood was detected in your bowel movement. It is important to note however that screening tests are not always 100% accurate, particularly because cancers and precancerous growths only bleed intermittently. The test should be repeated at least every two years to increase the chances of early detection.

You should consult your GP if symptoms develop, regardless of the screening test result.