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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    I received a stool kit in the mail - should I participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program?

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    Dr Ryma Terbah

    Gastroenterologist

    Dr Ryma Terbah is consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, and completed … View Profile
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    Yes, I would strongly encourage everyone to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). It involves a simple stool test (faecal occult blood test – FOBT) performed every 2 years which looks for microscopic amounts of blood in the stool. This can be the first sign of bowel cancer, even before other symptoms such as obvious bleeding in the stool develop. Early diagnosis of bowel cancer provides the best chance of successful treatment.

    The NBCSP now starts at age 45, although anyone between the age of 40-45 can see their GP to request a FOBT through the NBCSP if they are worried. Anyone under the age of 40 should also see their GP if they have any symptoms or are worried.

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