Aged 45 to 49 and want a kit? Overdue for screening, need a replacement kit or form?
1. Check you are eligible to screen
- People aged 45 to 49can request their first free kit by submitting the webform or calling 1800 627 701.
- People aged 50 to 74 are mailed a free kit every 2 years.
- All people aged 45 to 74 can also ask their doctor about getting a kit.
Your next test kit will automatically be mailed every 2 years after your last screening test is completed.
We send you a letter letting you know your& next kit will be mailed soon. See pre-invitation letter.
2. Get your test kit in the mail or from your doctor
You get your free test kit in the mail. You can also ask your doctor about getting the free bowel screening kit.
We get your address from Medicare. So, it’s important to make sure your address is up to date. You can update your address on the Services Australia website, or by calling Medicare on 132 011.
If you live in a hotter part of Australia, you will receive your kit during the cooler months of the year. This is because exposure of your collected samples to high heat can affect test results.
If you are due to screen but don’t yet have your kit because you live in a hot area of Australia:
- you or your doctor can request a kit be mailed to you now by contacting the National Cancer Screening Register
- your doctor can issue you a kit directly if they are taking part in the alternative access to kits model.
You must keep your samples cool by following the test instructions.
We send you a letter with your kit. See invitation letter and letter for people aged 73 or 74.
3. Do the test and send it back
You just need to collect 2 tiny samples from 2 different poos. Then return the samples in the reply-paid envelope to the pathology lab.
The kit comes with instructions on how to do the bowel screening test. You can also watch a video on how to do the test or read test kit instructions in 22 languages.
If you need help doing the test, call the Bowel screening test kit helpline on 1800 930 998.
We may also send you a reminder to complete the test. See reminder letter.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – Participant details form
4. Get your result
You and your doctor receive the result within 4 weeks. Your result is also sent to:
- the National Cancer Screening Register
- My Health Record (unless you ticked the box on your participant details form to tell us you don’t want this to happen, or you have opted out of My Health Record).
Your result will be either:
- negative
- positive
- inconclusive.
A positive result is not a cancer diagnosis. But you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Read more about understanding your result.
5. Repeat every 2 years
Your next test kit will automatically be mailed every 2 years after your last screening test is completed until you turn 74.
It’s important you do the test and send it back every time. This is because bowel cancer can grow slowly and your body changes over time. So, you need to keep screening regularly to find it early.
If you have any concerns about bowel screening after you turn 74, see your doctor to discuss your screening options.
Screening again after a colonoscopy
If you got a positive result from your last test, your doctor may have referred you for a colonoscopy.
If polyps or other growths ARE found during a colonoscopy, your doctor will advise on further testing and treatment and whether continuing bowel cancer screening is right for you.
If NO polyps or other growths are found during a colonoscopy, you will be notified that you can skip your next screening test and instead start screening again 4 years after your last colonoscopy.
This ‘skip round’ is based on current clinical advice following a quality colonoscopy. We will send you a letter about this 2 years after you did your last test as a reminder. At this time, you can ask for a kit to be sent to you if you prefer to continue screening every year.
See letter about skipping a test after colonoscopy.
A quality colonoscopy is a safe and thorough examination of the bowel. It includes good preparation, careful inspection of the bowel by a qualified clinician, and clear information about the findings and any follow-up care needed.
Visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to learn more about the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard.
Manage your participation
Manage your participation in the program via the National Cancer Screening Register. This includes if you want to update your address, defer from screening or opt out of the program.
Self-serve at the National Cancer Screening Register participant portal, complete a webform or call 1800 627 701.
