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National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: Free Bowel Test Kits for Ages 45 ~ 74

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National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: Free Bowel Test Kits for Ages 45 ~ 74
Go to Deal
SupeNintendoChalmers on 02/07/2023 - 16:59 health.gov.au (18828 clicks)
Last edited 30/06/2024 - 19:57 by 2 other users

First time watching commercial TV in ages and noticed this ad. Didn’t realise that these kits are available, it’s a shame they are not offered to under 50s for free, but I digress.

From the website

This program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. Eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 are mailed a free test done at home every 2 years. Learn about the program and how to do the test.

Update June 13 2024:

From 1 July 2024, we are lowering the eligible screening age from 50 to 45. This means people aged 45 to 49 can join the program.

  • People aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit be mailed to them.
  • People aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every 2 years.
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Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government
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Comments

  • cheekybel on 03/07/2023 - 09:51

    From someone whose father is about to go into surgery to remove bowel cancer tomorrow, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do the test! It can often be a silent cancer (he had no symptoms) and and can take some time once it's started forming before it turns cancerous. They're saying that many people mid 30s onwards are having it now so if you have any symptoms younger don't disregard it!

    • cookie2 on 03/07/2023 - 18:16

      Hope all goes smoothly tomorrow for your Dad.

  • danielh on 03/07/2023 - 10:25
    +1

    Have to say, thanks you to everyone who is sharing their stories in here. I did my first one at 49 (last year) as I had some blood in my urine after some heavy exercise. Fortunately it turned out negative but when I turn 50 this month and get the kit, I'm definitely going to re-do the test over and over again.

    • EtherealArchelon on 31/12/2023 - 22:07

      Blood on urine is more likely to be kidney cancer than bowel cancer, you did the wrong test. Also if there's already blood in stool, you shouldn't do a FOBT, you should go on to the next test which is a colonoscopy.

      Also it likely wasn't blood in your urine, story sounds like rhabdo which turns the urine brown.

  • wazbiz on 03/07/2023 - 11:25
    +1

    So 75 and over aren't worth the cost …. apparently.

  • Batapotamus on 03/07/2023 - 12:37
    +4

    I for one wish these were available or advertised from the age of 40+. So do many doctors and health professionals.

    I am unfortunately one of the rare "young" people diagnosed with Stage 4 Terminal Bowel Cancer at the age of 46. Came out of absolutely nowhere. Was misdiagnosed for 4+ months due to my age, health and symptoms but once finally confirmed it was too late for a cure. Treatment has slowed it down and i have "outlasted" their predictions but they are finding it in younger and younger people all the time now.

    • slipperypete on 03/07/2023 - 14:57
      +1

      sorry to hear this. hope you keep outlasting their predictions

  • webmonkey on 03/07/2023 - 13:34
    +3

    I wouldn't wait till you are in the 50s to do this test. This disease is affecting younger people even in their early 40s. Early detection and removal of polyps when they are benign is best. If you are in your 40s go get a colonoscopy if you haven't done so. A family member (mid 40s) is dying of stage 4 bowel cancer which screening would have picked up.

  • CheapOjoe on 03/07/2023 - 21:24

    Thank op

  • the Unforgiven on 04/07/2023 - 08:05
    +1

    I stopped for 2 decades as it always showed positive
    I started it again and it showed positive the first test!
    But I know I am bleeding internally, they can't find out where!
    I also have multiple peptic ulcers & scaring of my duodenum

  • pebee47 on 04/07/2023 - 14:33

    Why stop at 74?

  • Passionfruit on 05/07/2023 - 07:52
    +2

    A negative result for this screening test doesn't exclude a cancer diagnosis.

    A family member was diagnosed with late cancer when the a test returned negative just 2 months prior. no apparent symptoms prior, no family history, healthy diet, regular excercise but a history of H Pylori which had been shown to contribute to cancer risk.

    Most bowel cancer diagnosis only shows symptoms in late stages so don't ignore any warning signs. Even if you test negative, watch out for any changes in bowel movements relatively to your usual habit, unintended, unexplained weight loss and pain etc…. Speak with your GPs.

    Just my 2 cents

    Best wishes.

    • Ulysses31 on 30/06/2024 - 18:31

      ^ as above.
      Family experience with prostate & bowel cancer, and also seeing docos on it, there are multiple ways of checking. And you won't always get the support you need… even brushed-off (medical professionals are still just people, and can make bad decisions on any given day). Hearing "I really doubt it", "this is a waste of money", "you're too young" etc. SUCKS.

      So one piece of advice remains true… If something doesn't feel right, PLEASE get more opinions/options.

    • WorstAgreeableRadish on 30/06/2024 - 21:36

      The kit seems to use the occult blood test method, which is apparently the least sensitive of the lot
      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/…

      At least you don't have to do the cleanse and get a camera shoved where the sun don't shine.

  • bliss35 on 31/12/2023 - 18:25
    +1

    How do I get one of these as a 30 yr old?

  • KenDiaMoi on 31/12/2023 - 18:27

    Stop everything I don't remember signing a check for boweling

    • bdl on 30/06/2024 - 21:20

      Barefoot boweling

  • bowdo on 31/12/2023 - 19:07
    +1

    If you aren't over 50 and worried about some gut symptoms please pay the few bucks and get a test anyway.

    My quack waived off my symptoms, and 'prescribed' me gastrostop to manage my symptoms. I ended up ignoring him and ordered my own test, which returned positive.

    Turns out I didn't have cancer, but undiagnosed Crohn's disease. Any doctor that tells you you're being silly or 'too young' to worry is an idiot.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/12/2023 - 19:22

      How much is a test?

    • icedmelonsoda on 31/12/2023 - 19:55

      a fellow Crohnie!

    • TEER3X on 31/12/2023 - 22:35

      I though the test was for bowel cancer only?

      • Clear on 01/01/2024 - 00:51
        +1

        Tests can show more than just cancer.

        • TEER3X on 01/01/2024 - 14:08

          Thanks I'll check it out with my own money

  • abctoz on 31/12/2023 - 19:22
    -1

    classic ageism

  • RSmith on 31/12/2023 - 19:23

    Is there a way to hide these blast from the past deals?

  • MaMan on 31/12/2023 - 19:38

    Or get a Blood test.

  • Mr Bob Dobalina on 31/12/2023 - 21:06
    +1

    Why don't over 74 qualify?

    • EtherealArchelon on 31/12/2023 - 22:21
      +3

      Cancer is slow growing. It can take 10-15years for a polyp to turn into a clinically relevant cancer.

      If we autopsied lots of 80 year-olds, we would find lots of bowel, prostate, breast cancer. But they never knew about it, it didn't contribute to their deaths.

      If you got told you had 5 years to live but you could get six years if you spent 2 years in hospital submitting to colonscopies, chemo, infections, pain, surgeries…

      As population lives older, the upper limits of testing may change. Lots of 75yr olds have clear other pathology that will cause their death first.

      As you get older, the risk of the next step (colonoscopies or rather, the sedation side of it in people with heart and lung issues) become more risky.

    • Pineapples on 31/12/2023 - 22:46
      +3

      You can get one at any age from your GP if they think it's appropriate for you. If they don't have the kits on site, you can ask for a pathology form and take it to a pathology collection centre to pick up the kit. I'd suggest a pathology centre run by Sonic because their kits come with the sheet to put in the toilet (they're also the ones who run the government program). Some pathology companies won't provide the sheets and except you to poo in a bucket. The test cost itself is funded by Medicare and the pathology company absorbs the cost of the actual kit.

      (Source - I'm a GP who has handed out dozens of these)

  • linkindan on 31/12/2023 - 21:12
    -2

    Well you can stick that up your arse

  • Replicant on 31/12/2023 - 21:18
    +6

    Close friend of mine died last week of bowel cancer. He was 36, diagnosed 6 years ago, at the time of diagnosis told his life expectancy was 5 years. Misdiagnosed for a while as he was “too young” to have bowel cancer, even though he often found blood in his stool. Fittest, healthiest guy I knew, big into hiking and mountain biking, non-smoker, only the occasional drink. It really can strike anyone at anytime. His wife and two young kids now have to live their lives without their husband, their father. To think if it had been caught sooner he might have had a chance. Years of chemotherapy and other extremely painful and invasive procedures. He lived in the UK where the NHS health system only starts sending kits out to 60 year olds. Australia is ahead of other countries in terms of screening age but it really should be brought down to 40 at a minimum in light of the increased risks inherent in modern diets. There definitely needs to be more awareness in the community about the risks. I purchased a kit for myself. I turn 37 next month and have no obvious symptoms except from IBS.

    • Clear on 01/01/2024 - 00:54
      +1

      Misdiagnosed for a while as he was “too young” to have bowel cancer,

      Heard that too many times with my own cancer diagnosis. Or "it's slow growing and shouldn't be an issue" when I had an aggressive type.

  • Munki on 01/01/2024 - 02:08
    +2

    It's the only time you're allowed to shit in a bag and send it via post.

  • Eeples on 01/01/2024 - 07:55

    Non evasive and non penetrative if you follow the directions correctly.

  • brenwildman on 01/01/2024 - 10:41
    -2

    What percentage of tests end up in the bin? 90%?
    How much money is wasted on advertising per year for this? $50m?
    How much money is wasted in government admin for this per year? $50m?
    How much margin is channeled to crony test kit manufacturers and pathology labs rorting a non-competitive system per year? $50m?
    How much additional health care costs per year will there be by keeping older/costlier/non-working people alive? $200m?
    What are the false positive and false negative rates? 20%?
    How good is return DALYS/$ vs bigger/non-ageist issues like mental health? 1/50th?

    The figures government will not reveal. Not a bargain for tax-payers. I guess the industry had this down pat even before the after years of scamdemic oppression, garbage RATS\PCR, ineffective vaccines and treatments (ineffective for health not revenue), billions forcefully channeled to private companies, net negative health benefits, inflation, recession etc.

  • ilikedeals on 01/01/2024 - 11:48

    +1 but sadly can’t upvote the post.

    Australia has one of the best preventative health initiatives in the world. Glad to live here.

    Happy NY everyone!

  • sirlitchfield on 30/06/2024 - 17:06

    I think they should reduce the age to 40 at least. Had a bloke from work who went in for a checkup early 40s and they found he had cancer luckily removed and treated early so it's all gone now.

  • Stephenc007 on 30/06/2024 - 17:21
    +1

    Not sure if I just got lucky, but I was in the Doc's about 6 weeks ago getting a general check-up and requested the screening kit (no symptoms) and they handed it over no charge. I'm 43 so felt it was a good time to check it out.

    Turns out they found some blood in one of the three samples which I assumed was from Haemorrhoids but went for a Colonoscapy anyway. They found one Polyp which was frozen and removed and waiting on the result as we speak. This may be a case of men in general just not visiting the Doc for check-up's enough, I know I've been guilty for that in the past.

    • gamemaster on 30/06/2024 - 19:35

      There is the bowel cancer screening program which is to screen for faecal occult blood which may be due to bowel cancer. That program has age restrictions.

      But if you have reason to question GI bleeding such as with unexplained anaemia then the stool testing (FOBT) becomes an investigation test (not part of the screening program) and it’s not restricted by age. Usually for investigations you provide three stool specimens for testing.

  • baron33 on 30/06/2024 - 17:53

    How can one < 50 do the test? I know more and more young people are getting this

    • bloo.tomarto on 30/06/2024 - 18:14

      they actually lowered it to 45 starting July 1st. Request on the bowel screening site

    • nedski on 30/06/2024 - 19:41
      +1

      You can go to your GP and ask to do a faecal occult test. Something like that.

      • slimdusty on 30/06/2024 - 21:25

        I can confirm that this is indeed the case.

        • nedski on 30/06/2024 - 21:29

          Thats what I did, got 2 out of 3 positive. Doctor said it was my choice to do it. Paid $2500 out of pocket as my health insurance didnt cover it. Found a lot of polyps including a 10mm one. Now I get screened every 3 years.

          • Nom on 30/06/2024 - 23:28

            @nedski: Wow, $2500 ?!

            Isn't this sort of treatment just done under the public system ?

            • nedski on 30/06/2024 - 23:50

              @Nom: If you waited. I didnt.

              • Nom on 30/06/2024 - 23:55

                @nedski: Got it.

                I didn't realise there were wait lists for potential cancer treatment - that seems, er, rather dangerous !

                • Clear on 01/07/2024 - 11:06

                  @Nom: It gets worse depending on what clinic for treatment falls under, i.e. Neurology is pretty much high everywhere. With the exception being a life threatening emergency of course.

                  For my treatment I needed urgent surgery and as a category 1 patient the best my state could offer was 9 months. So I went interstate where that was reduced to 4 weeks and I was a private patient in a public hospital.

    • scozbargain on 30/06/2024 - 20:32

      $22 from https://www.cancercareaustralia.org.au/

  • Ulysses31 on 30/06/2024 - 18:34
    -2

    OzFail strikes again.
    Coder… Age of the deal shouldn't change the option to vote on it

  • slam6000 on 30/06/2024 - 19:18

    Should get an endo/gastro if blood found - had 2 before and now blood again so going in again . I've heard the gastroscope without anaesthesia can be a ptsd real nasty especially in a training public hospital !? The blood found in the stool maybe coming from further up also especially if you're older and have had/having issues in the oesophagus to duodenum regions . A gastroscope on its own is only half the investigation . But any anaesthesia also should not be taken lightly. Your choice .

    • gamemaster on 30/06/2024 - 19:43
      +1

      Upper gastrointestinal bleeds typically results in smelly dark tar like stools as blood is digested through the GI tract resulting in stool changes. Lower bleeds like in the large bowels tend to be more red colour blood on or mixed in the stools. Same with haemorrhoids or anal fissures where you might notice blood when wiping.

  • Skramit on 30/06/2024 - 19:39

    Can people under 45 just buy or need a doctor referral?

    • gamemaster on 30/06/2024 - 19:55
      +1

      If you want to be part of the bowel cancer screening program, it starts at age 45 and it’s free.

      If you have symptoms and the doctor believes it’s from a gastrointestinal cause then you might get investigated with faecal occult blood tests amongst other investigations. The testing cost would be covered by Medicare but you may need to pay for the doctor visit if they don’t bulk bill.

      If you don’t meet the criteria for the screening program and don’t have symptoms that a doctor would refer you for investigations, then you might be able to arrange private testing with a pathology lab. However, you will have to pay private costs ie no Medicare reimbursement.

      • slimdusty on 30/06/2024 - 22:04

        Very true. However, it is not hard to obtain a faecal occult blood test from a GP by simply telling them that you are concerned that you could have bowel cancer and would rather be safe than sorry even if you are under age 45 and don't have any symptoms or family history - many GPs would be happy to give you the test and request it to be bulk-billed for that.

    • banana365 on 30/06/2024 - 20:30

      Depends on your reason for wanting it. If you have a family history then your GP is likely to be happy to refer you for a colonoscopy. I know mine was when I was under 45. If it's you worrying due to the publicity around this but you don't have a family history then the chances of having what this detects are lower than many other potentially fatal diseases, so really there's little point. A healthy diet and exercise will be more beneficial than an unnecessary test.

    • scozbargain on 30/06/2024 - 20:32

      $22 from https://www.cancercareaustralia.org.au/

    • Tim Mc on 29/12/2024 - 23:10

      You can just buy a kit from https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/

      Send it off to get results via text (and mail).

      I did a test after a mate in his 30s got bowel cancer.

      It might be worth discussing with a GP if you have concerns. There may be other tests that can be done.

  • slam6000 on 30/06/2024 - 20:39

    @gamemaster . Way way past that but that is a very good introductional guide for those new to this pita . Hope they read it !! Ha - just remembered about 40 years ago a GP lanced and packed my perianal haematomas with zero anaesthesia . Brown eye pretty sore after the 35klm drive home . lmao. Best luck all .

  • Drewbo on 30/06/2024 - 21:09
    +1

    Foolishly, I ignored the first three kits the Government sent and only submitted my sample at age 56 after being guilted by a work colleague. The test was positive - however a subsequent colonoscopy revealed no cancer (after several weeks of uncertainty). The relief was palpable. I encourage everyone to do these tests at the first available opportunity - the take up rate is apparently only 40%. A lot of people are needlessly dying or (perhaps even worse) being subjected to wearing a colostomy bag for life. Remember, one of the worst conundrums caused by having a colostomy bag is finding a pair of shoes to match - an unnecessary expense for the true OzBargainer! Poke your poo.

  • slam6000 on 30/06/2024 - 22:34

    Flip-flops

  • Cheapkiwi on 30/06/2024 - 22:39

    Which data base are they sending these from/to? I've lived here 15 years and recently received a previous occupant's check pack. I would think off the medicare address database, which should be updated whenever medicare cards are refreshed, 5-6 years? I hope i get mine, when the time comes

  • slam6000 on 01/07/2024 - 00:04

    It's just a simple phone call bud . Maybe need to enrol and update details whatever - likely your medicare card number needed . You may have got lost in the system . They probably send u 1 out directly as they seem a very onto it department . To easy .

  • AustriaBargain on 01/07/2024 - 00:51
    -4

    You can get a bowel testing kit for $3.70 any day of the week https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/27790/farm…

  • cmdwedge on 01/07/2024 - 05:52
    +1

    I’m 45-49. Tried registering this morning because my mum died of bowel cancer.

    *As you have not yet turned 50, you are not eligible to screen with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

    You will be sent a free bowel screening test kit to your home address soon after you turn 50. Please note that if you live in an area where the average monthly temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius, your kit will be sent in the cooler months of the year as samples can be affected by heat.*

    Well done, DHA. Clown show.

    • DingoBlue on 01/07/2024 - 06:21

      It only reduced to 45 on July 1 so while frustrating we can guess that the form will hopefully be updated soon.

    • bohn on 01/07/2024 - 07:06

      Typical useless gov

  • DMFD on 29/12/2024 - 18:10
    +1

    Shit on a stick! Noice.

    No pun intended.

  • cerealsmok3r on 29/12/2024 - 18:17
    +2

    really thankful for this initiatve. lost my dad to cancer but without this kit, we wouldn't have realised he had it in the first place and gave him a better life before his passing

  • nobro25 on 29/12/2024 - 18:22
    +1

    How does Bowel cancer develop? Is this largely based on dietary habits or are there genetic factors playing a role?

  • crazyhor77 on 29/12/2024 - 19:02
    +7

    Don't be scared to do this test guys. I recently did one and unfortunately tested positive and waiting for my colonoscopy. If you get it early, extremely high chance of removing those nasty cancer cells successfully. Hopefully I don't have cancer but if I do, hopefully I got it early enough. I've always tried to be proactive with this stuff and it's saved me once already.

    • SupeNintendoChalmers on 29/12/2024 - 19:34
      +3

      All the best mate

    • shoppe on 29/12/2024 - 20:19
      -5

      Sorry, that's a crap diagnosis, you must have seen a sh!t doctor. Lol 😆

    • WhyAmICommenting on 29/12/2024 - 19:51
      +1

      I hope it’s not energy drinks. I replaced my alcohol addiction with caffeine…

  • WhyAmICommenting on 29/12/2024 - 19:51
    +1

    6 months and eligible lol. I’ll set a reminder..

  • JonSteele on 29/12/2024 - 20:10

    So you pass this, does that mean you don't need your regular Colonoscopy ? Every 5 years?

    • someone else on 29/12/2024 - 21:01
      +2

      Not necessarily. Faecal occult blood is a screening, but unless you are bleeding that's likely to be negative. You might have lesions that are not bleeding, including polyps and pre cancerous lesions, that won't be bleeding but might be seen in the colonoscopy. The age to start doing colonoscopy and interval depends on your medical and family history.

      Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because it allows for direct visualisation of the entire colon. Colonoscopies can detect polyps smaller than 6 mm with 75–93% sensitivity, which faecal test won't show.

      FOB is a cheap and easy to do screening test, the reason why it's encouraged.

  • OzzyboyBargainHunter on 29/12/2024 - 20:36

    Huge increase in cancers since 2021 especially in younger adults

    • DarwinBoy on 29/12/2024 - 22:54

      I think plenty of lifestyle choices will continue to put pressure on the medical.system for decades to come.

  • Big-Deal on 29/12/2024 - 21:24

    Medicare is required for this, might need highlighting in OP

    • BigDon on 29/12/2024 - 22:05

      Shhh. You're still not allowed to mention the elephant in the room.

  • mreddie on 29/12/2024 - 21:32

    I'm 49 and my grandfather (on Dad's side) died of bowel cancel. I've had two colonoscopies where only minor polyps removed, last one done 2020. Would I be due to have another colonoscopy now? I did the home test mid this year and results came back fine. I'm worried about everyone's comments above, that colonoscopies can be just as dangerous, so don't want to keep putting myself under if I don't need to.

    • DarwinBoy on 29/12/2024 - 22:58
      +2

      Its a little while.before colonoscopies would be considered more risky because of your age. My father's 75 and he had his last one 2 or 3 years ago and that will.be his last because of the increased risk with all the potential compilcations making it not worth while.
      And thats with him being in a high risk cancer group and undergoing numerous colonoscopiea the last decade or so.

  • Clear on 29/12/2024 - 21:36
    +5

    Below 30 and had a precancerous polyp found in the colon. You don't have to be >45 to be at risk.

    • Fobsessive on 29/12/2024 - 23:18

      How did you identify that?

      • Clear on 29/12/2024 - 23:21
        +1

        Routine colonoscopy.

  • Tim Mc on 29/12/2024 - 23:02
    +2

    You can purchase a home screening test kit from https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/ and check even if you're under the age of 45.

    For $42.95, it's cheaper than some GP appointments these days.

    Some folks are getting bowel cancer in their 30s.

  • capslock janitor on 30/12/2024 - 08:32
    +1

    Dad~18 years overdue had rectal bleeding and the colonoscopy found a "large tumour,, 🙏🙏 1st consultation with a colorectal surgeon today

  • itsme56 on 30/12/2024 - 09:16

    They really need to reduce the age to 30.

    • AppleLime on 30/12/2024 - 09:56

      Agree and increase the age to 100! My MIL was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 90+. Sad they can't do anything at that age.

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