$10 Bowel Cancer Screening Kits - Usually $40

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  jazoom on 09/06/2012 - 16:32

  This sounds like a great way to develop a false sense of security. I wonder how sensitive this test is. If you have reason to suspect something suspicious going on down there, or have a history of bowel cancer you should probably go see your GP. I actually don't think there is a decent way to check for bowel cancer other than colonoscopy.

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  jazoom on 09/06/2012 - 16:36

  From the bowel scan website. It basically just checks for blood in the stool.

  "A positive result means that there was evidence of occult blood in a stool sample but does not necessarily mean a person has colorectal cancer. Most often a positive result is due to other factors (such as haemorrhoids or a dietary interference with the test). However, it is most important that all positive test results be fully investigated by a doctor. Everyone who has a positive result should have further tests to find out whether they have bowel cancer. Most will not have the cancer, but a few will, and early diagnosis will greatly improve their chance of cure. Remember that there is a 90% chance of cure if the cancer is found at an early stage.

  A negative result from the test means there was no evidence of occult blood in the stool sample(s) and does NOT confirm the absence of colorectal cancer, polyps or other gastrointestinal disorder. Therefore, persons should draw their doctor’s attention to any changes in bowel habit or other symptoms of colorectal cancer."

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    goingDHfast on 09/06/2012 - 16:46

    +1

    Sorry when I said not much info around I meant on the sale price, not on the kit quality. The kits are recommended by most GPs around Australia before sending someone for day surgey and biopsys.
    Australia is a leading country internationally for national bowel cancer screening.
    These Foecal Occult test kits are very accurate and pick up microscopic blood stains in your stool.

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  jazoom on 09/06/2012 - 16:51

  +1

  Yeah, I don't doubt that they are great at picking up blood in the stool. I think they are a great tool for picking up issues that would otherwise be missed, but it would be terrible if people felt that a clear screen meant they don't have any issues. If people are recommended this by their GP then the GP should explain all this. My only concern is people going to a pharmacy of their own accord and getting one, thinking that it is all they need to do if they have an issue.

  I should have been a bit clearer in my earlier posts. :-)

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  snappy1234 on 09/06/2012 - 17:39

  +1

  Think the Kits make it very clear they are not the bees knees…you should see your Doc if bla bla bla…

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  Save Medicare on 09/06/2012 - 18:18

  If you're looking for 'early detection', this isn't it.
  In my completely unqualified opinion I would suggest a colonoscopy performed by a trained professional, as that can be used to detect precancerous neoplasia.

  Just by the way this isn't medical advice, nor should it be used in lieu of or over the advice of a healthcare professional

  • 

    Halc on 09/06/2012 - 22:57

    +4

    but you wouldn't do that every year without clinical symptoms as you would be risking perforations/infections/general anaethesia risks every time. by the time symptoms show it'd be too late. this is the whole idea of a SCREENING test. good sensitivity/specificity balanced by low risk and low cost to justify population-wide screening.

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  m0nkeycheese on 09/06/2012 - 19:03

  Get the bum cam.

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  JDogman on 09/06/2012 - 19:39

  +2

  Coming off a case at Uni only yesterday for this, FOBT is the cheapest way to screen. Yes, it isn't 100% sensitive, but that's why it's a screening test, no screen is 100%. There are lots of colon cancers without bleeding. But just know this: FOBT saves the lives of 100 people per week in Australia so that's nothing to laugh at! It's free from the government for people 55,60,65 but males and females should still do it every other year.
  Also many people will not notice bleeding especially upper GI bleeds because your faeces will be just darker brown and it may not be noticeable.

  Alongside to what other people said here, Colonoscopy is the best way to get it organised, but FOBT requires no behaviour changes from the patient and therefore compliance is high and the best result can be had. Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure requiring day surgery and anaesthesia and comes with it, its own bag of risks so you should not go into it without a reason. Oh and it's costly for the amount of benefit. But yes, if you are aiming for Gold Standard, that is it!

  My lecturer did tell me however, in Asia they do colonoscopy and endoscopy without general… quite an experience I'd imagine…

  • 

    dr_ rusko on 09/06/2012 - 20:34

    +4

    just to clarify - the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) recommends that every person over the age of 50 who has no particular risk factors, nor symptoms (eg bleeding) should do a FOB test every 2 years until aged 75 (assuming they all come back negative…)

    if you want to clarify your risk category - I suggest you talk to your GP

    @wang - this IS the investigation of choice in Australia for screening people with no risk factors
    (in case it is not clear - a screening test is a test done for someone with NO symptoms - this is COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE for someone with symptoms (except in very rare circumstances)

    @jdogman - most people in Australia have scopes done without a general anaesthetic - it's usually done with sedation (eg propafol/fentanyl/midazolam or whatever is the drug of choice for the anaethetist)

    please dont use this as specific medical advice - just some general clarifications…

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  petestrash on 09/06/2012 - 19:58

  +2

  If your in WA, the rotary bowelscan kit is usually $8.00, has to be returned by the 14th of June though.

  http://www.catchcancer.org.au/bowel-scan-kit-pharmacies

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  Frantic on 09/06/2012 - 20:28

  -5

  Colostomy bags are sexy

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  danceman on 09/06/2012 - 21:59

  In NSW you can get these or similar kits from your local chemist for about $10 anytime, its not a special .

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  Abbycat on 09/06/2012 - 23:48

  Nownow, don't poo-poo this test. :D Convincing someone to have a camera up their clacker is a lot harder than getting them to have a poop test. It might not be as good, but at least it's something!