Brisbane Bowel Cancer Screening

Colorectal Cancer Screening
Bowel Cancer – The Facts
Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in Australia, with 80 Australians dying from the disease every week.  If you are over the age of 50, or have a family history of bowel cancer this places you at increased risk. It develops in the large intestine, where it can grow to form an abnormal lump of tissue, often called a ‘polyp’.  Many of these polyps are not cancerous, but over many years, some may turn into bowel cancer.   If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. The good news is that bowel cancers that are caught early are treated successfully in 90% of patients.
Why Screening Works
Early testing for bowel cancer saves lives, and is being actively promoted by the Australian Government.  Because bowel cancer often develops without symptoms, screening tests are the best way of detecting the disease when it is still early, and treatable. The test looks for any blood in the stool (often in microscopic quantities you can’t see) which can be an early sign of bowel cancer, and other bowel related conditions. The earlier you are diagnosed, the more effective the treatment.  Extensive research studies have shown that bowel cancer screening reduces deaths from bowel cancer. The screening test for bowel cancer is a simple, non invasive test called Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT).  It is a test done in the privacy of your own home without the need to get your hands dirty, and is then sent via post to get a result.
If you want peace of mind, then contact the rooms for a free screening kit