Notes on the data: Screening programs - Bowel screening

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: males/ females/ persons receiving a positive test result, 2020 and 2021

 

Policy context:  Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, is the third most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with around 100 Australians dying each week from the disease [1]. The national Bowel Cancer Screening Program, commenced in 2006, aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. Eligible Australians aged 50 (45 from 1 July 2024) to 74 can do a free test at home every 2 years [2].

The outcome indicator presented here is referred to as a 'positive test result'; a positive FOBT result indicates that blood has been found in the sample provided. About one in 14 people will have a positive FOBT result. Bleeding may be caused by a number of conditions, including polyps, haemorrhoids or inflammation, and may not necessarily be cancer related [3]

References

  1. Towler B, Irwig L, Glasziou P, et al. A systematic review of the effects of screening for colorectal cancer using the faecal occult blood test, hemoccult. BMJ. 1998;317:559-65.
  2. Atkin WS, Edwards R, Kralj-Hans I, et al; UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Trial Investigators. Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in prevention of colorectal cancer: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2010;375:1624-33.
  3. 3. Cancer Council. Understanding your FOBT results. Available from: URL: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/early-detection-and-screening/understanding-your-fobt-results
 

Notes:  Where there are fewer than six events (between 1 and 5 invitees, participants) in an area, the data have been suppressed to protect confidentiality.

 

Geography:  Data available by Population Health Area, Local Government Area, Primary Health Network, Quintile of socioeconomic disadvantage of area and Quintiles within PHNs, and Remoteness Area

 

Numerator:  Males/ females/ persons aged 50-74 years who received a positive test result from the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021

 

Denominator:  Males/ females/ persons aged 50-74 years who had a valid returned test in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021

 

Detail of analysis:  Per cent

 

Source:  AIHW analysis of the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR RDE 14/01/2023).

 

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