Don’t Ignore Your Gut: Why Bowel Cancer Screening Matters
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalised guidance, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is relatively common in Australia — but when caught early, it is treatable. That’s why regular screening is such an important part of staying well as we get older.
At Kirribilli Doctors, we’re here to make health checks simple, straightforward, and stress-free — including helping you stay on top of your bowel cancer screening.
Who’s at Risk?
Bowel cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening is vital even if you feel well. Risk increases with age, particularly after 50, and is slightly more common in men.
Other risk factors include:
A family history of bowel cancer
A history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
Smoking, high alcohol intake, low-fibre diets, and sedentary lifestyles
The good news? Screening saves lives — and it’s never been easier.
What Is the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program?
In Australia, people aged 45 to 74 are invited to take part in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a free home test kit in the mail every two years.
The test is called a FOBT (faecal occult blood test). It checks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo — often invisible to the eye — which can be an early sign of changes in the bowel, including cancer or pre-cancerous polyps.
It’s:
Free
Done at home
Non-invasive
Quick (takes just a few minutes)
And yes, we know it’s not glamorous — but it could save your life.
What Happens if the Test is Positive?
If your screening test finds blood, it doesn’t mean you have cancer. It simply means we need to investigate further. Usually, this involves a colonoscopy, which allows a specialist to examine the bowel and remove any suspicious polyps early — before they can become cancerous.
If caught early, more than 90% of bowel cancers can be treated successfully.
What About Symptoms?
Even if you’re not due for screening, see your GP if you notice:
Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
Blood in your stool
Ongoing bloating or cramping
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
You know your body best — and we’re here to listen if something doesn’t feel right.
Take the Test. It Could Save Your Life.
If you're over 45 and haven’t done your bowel cancer screening kit recently, or if you have a family history and want to talk about earlier or more frequent testing, book an appointment at Kirribilli Doctors. Our GPs can help explain your options and guide you through the next steps.
Because when it comes to your gut health, a little test can go a long way.