19/02/2026
🤔 What is the bowel cancer screening test?
➡ The bowel screening test, known as the immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT), is a simple at-home test that checks for early signs of bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) in people without symptoms. It detects small amounts of blood in the poo that are often too tiny to be seen with the naked eye.
❗ Why is bowel cancer screening important?
➡ If bowel cancer is found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. Bowel cancer can develop with no symptoms or family history. That’s why regular screening is important, even if you feel well and live a healthy lifestyle.
🙋♀️🙋♂️ Who is bowel screening for?
➡ If you’re aged between 45 and 74 years, you are eligible to do a bowel screening test every 2 years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
➡ People aged 50 to 74 will receive their kit in the mail. The kit will be sent to the address on your Medicare card.
➡ People aged 45 to 49 can request their first kit at www.ncsr.gov.au/boweltest or by calling the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.
