Bowel cancer screening

A positive screening test needs follow-up—not panic.

A positive faecal occult blood test means blood has been detected. It does not mean that you have bowel cancer, but it should be assessed promptly with your GP and may lead to colonoscopy.

Why follow-up matters

Bowel cancer may develop before symptoms appear. Screening aims to identify blood that cannot be seen, allowing possible polyps, inflammation or cancer to be investigated earlier.

Colonoscopy is commonly recommended after a positive screening result because it allows the bowel lining to be inspected, biopsies to be taken and many polyps to be removed.

Individual risk assessment

Screening and surveillance may also be discussed if you have previous polyps, a strong family history, inflammatory bowel disease or another factor that changes your bowel-cancer risk. The appropriate timing is individual and should be based on your history and previous results.

Screening questions

Who is eligible for the national screening program?

Australians aged 45 to 74 are currently eligible for free bowel screening through the national program. People with symptoms or increased risk need individual medical advice rather than relying on routine screening alone.

What if I have symptoms despite a negative test?

A negative screening result does not rule out every bowel condition. Persistent bleeding, altered bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal symptoms or anaemia should be discussed with your doctor.

General information: Cancer Council Australia.

Clinical information by Associate Professor Abhinav Vasudevan, FRACP, PhD. Reviewed 17 September 2026.

Appointments and referrals

Discuss your screening result or bowel-cancer risk

Tell us briefly what care you are seeking and a member of the practice team will aim to contact you within two business days about the next step. Responses may take longer during public holidays and planned practice closures.

Request an appointment For referring GPs