Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: Why Screening Could Save Your Life

Every year, Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that bowel cancer remains one of Australia’s most common and potentially deadly cancers. Despite this, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.

At Colonoscopy Brisbane, we believe that education, awareness and timely screening are powerful tools in reducing the impact of bowel cancer. Understanding your risk factors, recognising potential symptoms, and knowing when to undergo screening can make a life-changing difference.

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the lining of the large bowel (colon) or rectum. Most bowel cancers begin as small growths called polyps. While many polyps are harmless, some can gradually develop into cancer over time.

The good news is that colonoscopy allows these polyps to be identified and removed before they become cancerous — making bowel cancer one of the few cancers that can often be prevented through screening.

Why bowel cancer awareness matters

Bowel cancer is common

Bowel cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Australia. Thousands of Australians are diagnosed every year, affecting both men and women.

Many people assume bowel cancer only affects older adults. While the risk increases with age, rates of bowel cancer in younger adults have been increasing internationally — highlighting the importance of recognising symptoms and risk factors regardless of age.

Early detection saves lives

When bowel cancer is detected early, treatment outcomes are significantly improved. In its earliest stages, bowel cancer may produce few or no symptoms, which is why screening plays such an important role.

Many patients diagnosed through routine screening feel completely well at the time of diagnosis. By identifying abnormalities before symptoms develop, screening provides an opportunity for earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Who is at risk of bowel cancer?

While anyone can develop bowel cancer, certain factors increase risk.

Age

The risk of bowel cancer increases after the age of 45–50 years.

Family history

You may have a higher risk if you have:

• A parent, sibling or child with bowel cancer
• Multiple relatives affected by bowel cancer
• Relatives diagnosed at a younger age
• Known hereditary conditions such as Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

Personal medical history

Risk may be increased by:

• Previous bowel polyps
• Previous bowel cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Long-standing ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease involving the colon

Lifestyle factors

Some lifestyle factors associated with increased risk include:

• Smoking
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Diets high in processed meats
• Diets low in fibre

While lifestyle changes can reduce risk, screening remains important even for individuals who consider themselves healthy.

What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

Many people with early bowel cancer experience no symptoms. This is one reason why screening is so important.

Potential symptoms may include:

Rectal bleeding

Blood in the stool should never be ignored. While haemorrhoids are common, bleeding can also be a sign of bowel cancer or other significant bowel conditions. Rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be “just haemorrhoids” without ruling out higher causes — particularly if you are over 45, or have anaemia, weight loss, a change in bowel habit or a family history of bowel cancer.

Changes in bowel habit

Changes that persist for several weeks may warrant investigation, including:

• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Alternating bowel habits
• Narrow stools
• Increased urgency

Abdominal pain

Persistent abdominal discomfort, cramping, bloating or unexplained pain may require assessment.

Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition.

Fatigue or iron deficiency

Occult (hidden) bleeding from bowel cancers can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, causing:

• Fatigue
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your GP.

Understanding the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides eligible Australians with a free at-home screening test known as a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This test detects small amounts of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye.

A positive result does not mean you have bowel cancer. However, it does mean further investigation is required, typically with colonoscopy.

Many patients are surprised to learn that the majority of positive screening tests do not result in a diagnosis of cancer. Nevertheless, every positive result deserves appropriate follow-up. Read more about bowel cancer screening in Brisbane.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is considered the gold-standard investigation for examining the large bowel. During the procedure:

• A thin flexible camera is passed through the rectum
• The entire colon is examined
• Polyps can be identified and removed
• Biopsies can be taken if necessary
• Sources of bleeding can be investigated

Most colonoscopies are performed under sedation, allowing patients to remain comfortable throughout the procedure. A little preparation is required beforehand — see our bowel preparation guide.

How colonoscopy prevents bowel cancer

Unlike many cancer screening tests that simply detect disease, colonoscopy has the unique ability to prevent cancer. When polyps are identified during colonoscopy, they can often be removed immediately. This interrupts the progression from:

Removing precancerous polyps significantly reduces future bowel cancer risk. This preventative aspect is one of the reasons colonoscopy remains such an important tool in bowel cancer prevention.

When should you have a colonoscopy?

The answer varies depending on your individual risk factors.

Average-risk individuals

People without symptoms or significant family history may initially undergo screening through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Increased-risk individuals

Earlier colonoscopy may be recommended if you have:

• A family history of bowel cancer
• A history of bowel polyps
• A positive FIT test
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent changes in bowel habit

The timing and frequency of colonoscopy should be discussed with your doctor or specialist.

Common myths about colonoscopy

“I feel fine, so I don’t need screening”

Many early bowel cancers cause no symptoms. Waiting for symptoms may delay diagnosis.

“The preparation is worse than the procedure”

While bowel preparation is not anyone’s favourite experience, modern bowel preparation regimens are generally well tolerated. Most patients report that the procedure itself is easier than expected.

“Bowel cancer only happens to older people”

Although risk increases with age, bowel cancer can occur in younger adults. Persistent symptoms should always be assessed regardless of age.

“No one in my family has had bowel cancer”

Most bowel cancers occur in people without a strong family history. This is why population screening remains important.

Reducing your risk of bowel cancer

While screening is essential, lifestyle measures can also help reduce risk. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a high-fibre diet
• Increasing fruit and vegetable intake
• Limiting processed meats
• Avoiding smoking
• Moderating alcohol consumption

These measures support overall bowel health and may contribute to lowering cancer risk.

Why choose Colonoscopy Brisbane?

At Colonoscopy Brisbane, our focus is on providing accessible, patient-centred bowel cancer screening and diagnostic colonoscopy services across Brisbane. Our approach is built around our REACH values:

We understand that many patients feel anxious about undergoing colonoscopy. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible while maintaining the highest standards of care — including transparent pricing and no-gap colonoscopy for eligible privately insured patients.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should I start bowel cancer screening in Australia?

Australians aged 50–74 are sent a free at-home bowel screening (FIT) test every two years, and people aged 45–49 can request their first kit. If you have symptoms, a personal history of polyps, or a family history of bowel cancer, screening with colonoscopy may be recommended earlier — speak with your GP or a specialist.

What does a positive bowel screening (FIT/FOBT) test mean?

A positive result means a small amount of blood was detected in the sample. It does not mean you have bowel cancer — in fact, most positive tests are not due to cancer. It does mean further investigation, usually a colonoscopy, is needed to find the cause.

Does a colonoscopy hurt?

Most colonoscopies are performed under sedation, so patients are comfortable and usually remember little or nothing of the procedure. For most people, the bowel preparation beforehand is the least pleasant part, and the procedure itself is easier than expected.

Do I need a referral for a colonoscopy in Brisbane?

A referral from your GP or another specialist is usually required, particularly for Medicare and health-fund purposes. If you are unsure, contact our team and we can guide you through the process.

Is there a gap to pay for a colonoscopy?

For eligible privately insured patients, Colonoscopy Brisbane offers no-gap colonoscopy. You will always receive a clear, written and itemised quote before you book, so there are no surprises. See our colonoscopy cost page for details.

How often should I have a colonoscopy?

This depends on your findings and personal risk. If polyps are found and removed, your specialist will recommend a follow-up (surveillance) interval. People at average risk with a normal result generally need colonoscopy far less often. Your individual plan should be discussed with your doctor.

Reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, FRACS, GESA-accredited — June 2026.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please discuss your symptoms, risk factors and screening options with your GP or a specialist.