- I don’t feel confident to do the test
- Bowel screening doesn’t seem clean
- I don’t want to keep my samples in the fridge
- Life is busy. How do I remember to do the test?
- Why do I need to screen for bowel cancer?
- Is the bowel screening test right for me?
- Do I have to take part in the program?
- What does it mean if my test is positive?
Is the bowel screening test right for me?
You should do the free bowel screening test if you:
- are aged 45 to 74
- do not have any symptoms of bowel cancer
- do not have any family history of bowel cancer.
You should talk to your doctor about doing the screening test if you have:
- had a bowel condition (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) in the last 12 months which is currently under treatment
- had a colonoscopy in the last 2 years, or you are scheduled for a colonoscopy soon
- a family history of bowel cancer.
People with no functioning colon do not need to be screened.
If your doctor recommends not to participate in the program, please advise the National Cancer Screening Register you wish to ‘opt out’ or ‘delay’ receiving your next kit. You can manage your participation at the participant portal, submit a webform, or call 1800 627 701.
Date last updated: