Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) affects any part of the large bowel. It is the 4th most diagnosed cancer in Australia with 15,000 people affected each year.

Risk factors include older age, previous multiple polyps or genetic conditions leading to extensive polyp formation, inflammatory bowel diseases, lifestyle factors such as being overweight, eating processed meats, drinking alcohol and smoking, and a strong family history.

In the early stages, bowel cancer may not display any symptoms, however with early detection it is one of the most treatable types of cancer - almost 99% of cases can be successfully treated.

Screening with a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a simple process that is done at home. Stool samples are collected and sent to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) for faecal occult blood testing (FOBT). The test looks for blood in the sample, which may be an indicator of bowel cancer.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP)

• The NBCSP screens eligible* Australians aged 45-74 every two years, for bowel cancer.

• A kit is sent in the mail automatically to people aged 50-74.

• People aged 45-49 can request a test. Contact us on Ph. 7023 0230 or admin@gastrosc.com.au and we can organise a test kit for you.

• There is no cost for Australians aged 45-74 for the screening kit or test. This is a tax-payer funded program through the NBCSP.

• People under 45 or over 75 can purchase a screening test (around $45 including testing kit & pathology services) from some pharmacies or online at Bowel Cancer Australia

  *All Australians aged 45-74 are eligible if you have not had a test within 2 years and/or colonoscopy within 12 months. We can check your eligibility for you if you are unsure.

Testing Process

• The kit comes with detailed instructions. It is quick and simple and done by yourself in your home.

• Two stool (poo) samples are collected using the equipment provided in the kit from separate bowel motions, close to each other.

• Store the samples in a cool, dry place at 2-10° or the fridge (away from food), until all samples are ready.

• Label the samples with your name, date of birth and date of sample.

• Send the samples back in the reply paid envelope as soon as possible.

• See Bowel Cancer Australia’s website for further information.

Positive FOBT result

This means blood was found in the stool, in at least 1 of 2 stool samples.

• It does not mean that you have bowel cancer.

• There are many other reasons blood could be found in the stool including haemorrhoids, an anal fissure, a burst blood vessel or a polyp.

The test looks for blood in the stool sample. If traces of blood are found this gives a positive FOBT result. If you receive a positive result you must have a colonoscopy within 30 days. See your GP or contact us and we can organise this for you.

A positive FOBT result can be caused by bowel cancer, or reasons other than bowel cancer, such as polyps, haemorrhoids, inflammation of the bowel or medications. It is essential that the underlying cause of the bleeding is investigated promptly with a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is performed by a Gastroenterologist who will identify any conditions of the bowel, remove any polyps found, treat haemorrhoids if appropriate, or confirm a diagnosis of bowel cancer. If bowel cancer is not present, conditions such as polyps can increase the risk or developing bowel cancer in future. For people who have had a recent colonoscopy, timing of future FOBTs or surveillance colonoscopies may be individualised, depending on factors such as the number of polyps found.

For more information on colonoscopy click here.

Negative FOBT result:

This means no blood was found in any samples.

• It does not mean you don’t have bowel cancer or will never have bowel cancer, as some cancers may not bleed at all or only intermittently and FOBTs detect most (up to 85%) of bowel cancer but not all.

• You should continue to perform FOBTs every two years.

Even with a negative FOBT, if you do develop new symptoms such as rectal bleeding, altered bowel motions (new diarrhoea or constipation), iron deficiency or unexplained weight loss please see your doctor to discuss whether colonoscopy may be appropriate.