Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), also known as the Bowel Cancer Screening Test, saves lives. This is a simple, free test that can detect tiny amounts of blood in your stool that may be a sign of bowel cancer, and often before you notice any symptoms. If detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in more than 90% of cases.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) invites Australian residents aged 50 to 74 years to participate in the screening program using Immunochemical FOBT every 2 years. If you are aged between 45 to 49 years, can now request a free test kit from the NBCSP.
In the South Western Sydney Local Health District, the Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) service is available to eligible patients aged between 45 and 74 years who live in Local Government Areas of LIVERPOOL, FAIRFIELD, CAMPBELLTOWN, CAMDEN, WOLLONDILLY and WINGECARRIBEE who return a positive FOBT. The DAC service is supported by DAC nurses, gastroenterologists, surgeons, anaesthetists and nursing expertise. It aims to provide a high quality, efficient and patient-centred service.
Through the DAC service:
- Patients with minor health problems will be assessed by our DAC nurses and proceed directly to their colonoscopy at either Liverpool or Campbelltown hospitals without needing to see a Specialist first.
- Patients with significant health problems will be scheduled a review by a Specialist before having their colonoscopy.
For more information on the National Bowel Cancer Screening program, please click on this link:
For more information on the Direct Access Colonoscopy Service in NSW, please click on this link:
Health Professionals
If you are a Health Professional looking to refer a patient to our Direct Access Colonoscopy Service, please click on this link
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - Did you know?
- Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second deadliest cancer in Australia.
- Around one in 16 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in their lifetime, and each week we lose 103 lives to this cancer.
- The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) provides free Bowel Cancer Screening Tests (or Faecal Occult Blood Test) once every two years to Australians aged 50 to 74 years. Those aged between 45 to 49 years can now request for a free test kit from the NBCSP.
- This simple test can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stools which may be a sign of bowel cancer. If detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in more than 90% of cases.
- Despite this, only 39% of residents in NSW participate in this program, with much lower rate in South Western Sydney (35%)
Red Apple Week Awareness Events - Help Beat Australia’s 2nd Deadliest Cancer!
To promote bowel cancer awareness, the Direct Access Colonoscopy Team will host information stalls during Red Apple Week. Come speak to our friendly staff and learn more:
- Liverpool Hospital – Tuesday 17th June – Main Concourse from 8am to 4pm
- Campbelltown Hospital – Thursday 19th June – Main Entrance from 8am to 3pm
- Fairfield Hospital – Friday 20th June – Main concourse 8am to 4pm
If you have any enquiries or would like to make an appointment, please email:
Gastroenterology and Liver
Clinic E (123), Level 1
Liverpool Hospital
Corner of Elizabeth and Goulburn Streets
LIVERPOOL NSW 2170
02 8738 4085
FAX: 02 8738 7960
Our phones cannot always be answered, so the best way to contact us is via email or fax
8.30am - 4.00pm
Monday to Friday
