Bowel cancer screening

Bowel cancer kills around 90 Australians each week but is highly curable if detected early. Men and women over 50 should have a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) every 2 years to check for bowel cancer. This simple test can be done in your own home.

Some people may be eligible for a free FOBT through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Others can order a bowel cancer screening test (FOBT) online, or by contacting their doctors, or calling the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

Overview of Screening Program

Screening for bowel cancer can reduce mortality rates by up to 40%.

Faecal occult blood tests

FOBTs are simple tests to check for the early signs of bowel cancer.

Your FOBT questions answered

Find out how you can access an FOBT and what the test involves.

Professor David Hill on a TV screen 
Bowel cancer screening video (Length 1:22)
with Professor David Hill