What is Bowel Cancer Screening?
Bowel cancer screening is a medical process used to detect early signs of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, in individuals who do not yet show symptoms. The goal is to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective. Screening can also detect polyps, which are small growths in the bowel that may develop into cancer over time.
When is Bowel Cancer Screening Recommended?
In Australia, bowel cancer screening is generally recommended for individuals aged 50 to 74. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) sends free screening kits to eligible Australians every two years. However, those with a family history of bowel cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier and more frequently. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate screening schedule based on personal risk factors.
How is Bowel Cancer Screening Performed?
The most common method of bowel cancer screening in Australia is the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). This non-invasive test detects tiny amounts of blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer. The test can be done at home using a kit provided by the NBCSP. If the FOBT results are positive, further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, may be recommended to examine the bowel more closely and confirm the presence of cancer or polyps.
Benefits of Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer screening has several significant benefits. Early detection of bowel cancer increases the chances of successful treatment and can significantly reduce mortality rates. Screening can also identify polyps before they become cancerous, allowing for their removal and preventing cancer development. Additionally, regular screening helps raise awareness about bowel health and encourages individuals to seek medical advice if they notice any unusual symptoms.
What happens if the Screening Tests are Positive?
If your bowel cancer screening test, such as the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), comes back positive, it means that blood was detected in your stool. This doesn't necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, but it does indicate that further investigation is needed. Here’s what typically happens next:
Follow-Up Procedures
Your doctor will discuss the positive result with you and recommend the next steps. They will take into account your medical history and any symptoms you might be experiencing.
Colonoscopy: The most common follow-up procedure is a colonoscopy. During this procedure, a long, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum to examine the entire colon. This allows the doctor to look for polyps, cancer, or other abnormalities.
Biopsy: If any suspicious areas are found during the colonoscopy, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for further analysis. This helps determine whether the abnormality is cancerous or benign.
Possible Outcomes
No Abnormalities Found: If no polyps or cancer are found, you will likely return to regular screening intervals
Polyps Found: Polyps can often be removed during the colonoscopy. Removing polyps can prevent them from becoming cancerous.
Cancer Detected: If cancer is found, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you. Early-stage bowel cancer can often be treated successfully with surgery, and additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
