Faecal Occult Blood Test. (FOBT) Bowel Cancer and Polyp Screening

This has become especially important since 2005-6 when the Australian Government introduced  the “National Bowel Cancer Screening Program”. Your General Practitioner will organise a stool test which looks for microscopic blood in your motions. If the test is positive your doctor will usually refer you for a colonoscopy. It is believed that the official implementation of this test by Medicare will greatly reduce the incidence of  bowel cancer in Australia.

Colon (bowel) cancer is the commonest internal cancer in this country resulting in 12800 cases every year. Lung cancer is commoner but could easily be reduced by the cessation of smoking. This is unfortunately too difficult for many. The test is for persons who are symptom free. If you have symptoms which concern you (most of these are found on this web site) you should see your doctor who will perform the appropriate investigations.