Around 30% people who develop bowel cancer have either a hereditary contribution, family history or a combination of both. The risk of developing bowel cancer rises sharply from age 50, but the number of Australians under age 50 diagnosed with bowel cancer has been increasingly steadily.
What we test
Faecal Occult Blood
Bowel (or colorectal) cancer causes the second highest number of cancer deaths in New Zealand after lung cancer. However, around 90% of bowel cancer cases are cured if detected early. Screening for bowel cancer typically involves a faecal occult test which specifically detects hidden blood in stool by identifying human haemoglobin, indicating potential issues like colorectal polyps, inflammation, or cancer.
Occult blood refers to hidden blood in the stool that isn’t visible to the eye but can signal bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract. Its presence may indicate conditions like polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or early signs of colorectal cancer, making it an important marker for further investigation.
Test instructions
Pick up a sample collection container from your local collection centre.
Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.
Take your form to your local collection centre to have your sample taken - no need for an appointment.
We'll publish your results in your own personal dashboard within 3-7 business days depending on your region.
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