Australia begins delayed bowel cancer FOBT screening programme:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Australia has launched the first phase of its bowel cancer screening programme, originally scheduled for May 2006 (see Clinica No 1207, p 15). This phase involves the sending of screening kits to people turning 55-65 years between May 1 2006 and June 30 2008. The Faecal Occult Blood Test kits will detect minute traces of blood in the faeces - a possible indication of cancer. The test involves participants taking two faecal samples, which are then mailed with the rest of the kit in a reply-paid envelope, to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The initiative, which will be evaluated prior to the 2008-09 budget, will commence in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It will extend to other states and territories in coming months.