The Australian Cancer Council encourages all Australians from age 50, who do not have symptoms or a family history of bowel cancer, to undertake bowel cancer screening every one to two years using a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
Currently, Australians aged 50, 55, 60, 64, 65, 70, 72 and 74 are eligible for the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) free of charge through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
If you are not eligible for the program you can still be tested, your GP can request an FOBT kit. Most pathology practices bulk bill for the test
At GMHBA we provide a benefit to our members’ (ineligible for National Screening) on this simple, non-invasive at home bowel cancer screening test that could save your life.
FIT Kits
Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Screening using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
How to use a FIT Kit?
The faecal immunochemical test involves placing small samples of toilet water or stool on a special card and mailing them in the reply paid envelope for analysis. The results are then sent back to you and your GP.
It is recommended that you repeat a bowel cancer screening test every one to two years to improve your chances of early detection of bowel cancer.
Who can use the bowel cancer screening program?
We recommend that you check your eligibility for the free national screening first. If you are not eligible for the national program, members who hold any level of extras cover can claim one FIT kit per person every two years.
How to order your FIT Kit
The Australian Government has now implemented an National Cancer Screening Register. Due to this program, GMHBA will no longer be overseeing a screening program for members.
GMHBA will continue to pay benefits for screening kits (1 kit per person every 2 years) if you do not qualify for the National Screening Register. Eligible kits can be purchased from most chemists.