Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon or rectum; it may also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is located.
Bowel cancer screening is for people who do not already have bowel cancer, symptoms of bowel cancer, or any reason to have a high risk of bowel cancer.
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Bowel Cancer Australia provides essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support, as well as a national Peer-to-Peer Support Network and Buddy Program.
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If you do, you should consult your GP for appropriate investigation.
Medical guidelines state the recommended strategy for population screening in Australia, directed at those at average risk of bowel cancer and without relevant symptoms, is faecal immunochemical testing every 2 years, starting at age 45 years and continuing to age 74 years.
Medical guidelines state for people aged 40-44 years who request screening after a discussion with their health care professional about the benefits and potential harms of testing, health care professionals could consider offering an immunochemical faecal occult blood test every 2 years during the lead-up to the first routine National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invitation.
For people at average risk of bowel cancer and without symptoms, Australian medical guidelines recommend screening using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every 2 years between ages 45-74.
Medical guidelines state for people aged 75-85 years who are fit, well and healthy, who request screening after a discussion with their health care professional about the benefits and potential harms of testing, health care professionals could consider offering an immunochemical faecal occult blood test.