TL;DR: Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free home iFOBT every two years to people aged 45 to 74 without symptoms.
The starting age dropped from 50 to 45 on 1 July 2024; older textbooks and recalls still say 50.
People aged 45 to 49 request their first kit; from 50, kits arrive by post.
A positive iFOBT means a prompt GP visit, usually for colonoscopy referral, not a repeat test.
People with symptoms don't use the kit; a GP assesses them.
Practise screening and other AMC MCQ topics free on AMC Academic: 50 worked cases and 20 AMC Part 1 questions, no account needed.
The program at a glance
| Who | What happens |
|---|---|
| Aged 45 to 49, no symptoms | Requests the first kit online, on 1800 627 701, or through a GP. After a completed test, the next kit arrives two years later. |
| Aged 50 to 74, no symptoms | A kit is mailed automatically every two years. |
| Any age, with symptoms | Doesn't use the screening kit. Sees a GP for assessment. |
| Family history of bowel cancer | Talks to a GP before screening. Depending on risk, the GP advises the program's iFOBT or colonoscopy. |
| Under 45 or over 74 | Outside the program. Discusses screening with a GP. |
The test is an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT), done at home with samples from two separate bowel movements. Participants need a green Medicare card (or registration as a Department of Veterans' Affairs customer) and an Australian mailing address. The starting age dropped from 50 to 45 on 1 July 2024.
After the result
Negative: the next kit comes two years after the last completed test, until age 74.
Positive: the person sees their GP promptly, who will usually refer them for colonoscopy. A positive iFOBT isn't a cancer diagnosis, but it shouldn't be repeated to "check". One positive result is enough for referral.
Six traps to watch for in AMC MCQ screening questions
The starting age. It's 45, not 50. Older textbooks and recalls still say 50 (AMC MCQ sample questions).
Repeating a positive test. The next step is colonoscopy, not another iFOBT.
Screening someone with symptoms. Blood in the stool or other bowel symptoms mean a GP assessment, not a screening kit. Our free case on iron deficiency anaemia in an older man shows the same rule: with red flags such as iron deficiency anaemia and weight loss, the next step is colonoscopy, and a negative iFOBT doesn't reassure.
Family history. These patients talk to their GP first. Depending on their risk, they may need colonoscopy rather than iFOBT.
Timing the kit. It shouldn't be done with bleeding haemorrhoids, during a period or within three days after it ends, or after a recent colonoscopy.
The upper age limit. The program stops at 74 because, for people over 74, the likelihood of complications from colonoscopies done as part of population screening exceeds the benefit. Older people can still discuss screening with their GP.
The other recent change: cervical screening self-collection
A quick way to test whether any question bank is up to date is to check it against two recent changes. Bowel screening is the first. The second is cervical screening self-collection: since 1 July 2022, everyone eligible for cervical screening can choose to collect their own sample. That means women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who have ever had sexual contact, screened every five years. A bank that still limits self-collection to under-screened women is out of date. Run the check on ours too.
Practise screening questions
Screening programs sit in the population health and ethics group, which carries 12.5% of the AMC CAT MCQ (AMC CAT MCQ format explained). Our best books for AMC Part 1 guide names the RACGP Red Book as the source to know for screening questions.
Common questions
What age does bowel cancer screening start in Australia?
45, since 1 July 2024. People aged 45 to 49 request their first kit; from 50, it arrives by post every two years.
How often is bowel cancer screening done in Australia?
Every two years, from age 45 to 74, using a home iFOBT kit.
What happens after a positive bowel screening test?
The person sees their GP, who will usually refer them for colonoscopy. One positive result is enough; the iFOBT isn't repeated.
Should someone with rectal bleeding use the screening kit?
No. Symptoms need assessment by a GP, not a screening test.
Why does the bowel screening program stop at 74?
For people over 74, the likelihood of complications from colonoscopies done as part of population screening exceeds the benefit. They can still discuss screening with their GP.
Related guides
Sources: About the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program · Lowered eligible age for bowel screening · How bowel screening works · Who should do the bowel screening test · Understanding your results · Colorectal cancer screening in Australia (AJGP, 2018) · Self-collection for cervical screening · Cervical screening quick reference guide