Bowel Cancer Screening: The Simple Test That Could Save Your Life
When we talk about cancer screening, many people immediately think about mammograms or cervical screening. However, bowel cancer screening is just as important and it’s one of the simplest screening tests we have.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, and it often develops slowly over many years. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. That’s why screening is so valuable. Detecting bowel cancer early, or even finding pre-cancerous changes before cancer develops, can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes.
Many patients are surprised to learn that the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program involves a simple test that can be completed privately at home. The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in the bowel motion that are not visible to the eye. It is quick, non-invasive, and for many people, only needs to be done every two years.
Currently, Australians aged 45 to 74 can access screening, with free government screening kits mailed to eligible people aged 50 to 74. Those aged 45-49 need to request a kit, either by phone on 1800 627 701 or via the National Cancer Screening Register website. If you receive a kit in the mail, it’s important not to put it aside and forget about it. We know it can feel easy to delay, especially if you are feeling well, but screening works best before symptoms appear.
It’s also important to speak with your GP if you notice symptoms such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or ongoing fatigue. These symptoms are often caused by conditions other than bowel cancer, but they should still be checked properly.
There are also some simple lifestyle measures that can help reduce bowel cancer risk over time, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and eating a diet high in fibre and vegetables.
Most importantly, try not to feel embarrassed about discussing bowel health. As GPs, these are conversations we have every day, and they are an important part of preventative healthcare.
If you have questions about bowel cancer screening, a family history of bowel cancer, or have received a screening kit you’re unsure about, we encourage you to book an appointment with one of our doctors. A simple conversation now could make a real difference to your long-term health.