Bowel screening and colonoscopy: what to expect
The free bowel screening kit can find bowel cancer early. Here's who it's for, and what happens if you need a colonoscopy.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia. It often has no symptoms in the early stages, and when found early it can usually be treated successfully. That's why screening matters.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free, simple test you do at home. It looks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo that you can't see.
- Eligible people aged 45 to 74 can do the test every 2 years.
- From age 50, a kit is posted to you automatically.
- If you're 45 to 49, you can ask for your first kit, then you'll receive kits every 2 years after that.
- Your GP can also give you a kit.
You collect two small samples at home and post them back. The results go to you and your GP. If your result is positive, it doesn't mean you have cancer, but it does mean you need a follow-up test, usually a colonoscopy. Don't ignore it.
Screening is for people without symptoms. If you have a strong family history of bowel cancer, talk to your GP, as you may need earlier or different testing.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside the large bowel. It's done by a specialist in Gastroenterology or General surgery, usually as a day procedure under sedation, so most people don't remember it. Small growths called polyps can often be removed during the test, which helps prevent cancer.
The day before, you take a bowel preparation, a drink that empties your bowel. It's the least pleasant part, but a clear bowel helps the doctor see properly. Follow the instructions you're given exactly, including any advice about your usual medicines. You'll need someone to drive you home afterwards.
Referral and costs
You need a referral from your GP. A colonoscopy can be done in a public hospital or privately. Private costs can include the specialist, anaesthetist and day hospital fees, so ask for a quote. Public waiting times depend on how urgent your referral is (see What do Category 1, 2 and 3 referrals mean?). Spec Book shows which gastroenterologists have the soonest appointments, and your GP can send the referral with the booking.
See your GP if you notice
- Blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
- A change in bowel habit that lasts a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
- Ongoing pain or a lump in your tummy
When to get urgent help
Call 000 or go to an emergency department for heavy bleeding from the bowel, severe tummy pain, or fever and severe pain after a colonoscopy.
Common questions
Is the bowel screening test free?
Yes. The kit, the processing and the reply-paid postage are free through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
My test was negative but I have symptoms. What should I do?
See your GP. The screening test is for people without symptoms and doesn't rule out every problem.
Does a colonoscopy hurt?
Most people are sedated and feel little or nothing. Some feel bloated or have mild cramps afterwards, which usually settles quickly.
How do I update my address for the kit?
You can update your details with Medicare, as kits are sent to the address Medicare has for you.
General information only, not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so check with your GP or the provider. In an emergency call 000.