ONE little test prevented Greenfields resident Trevor Johnston developing cancer.
The 56-year-old took an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) he received in the mail from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), a little over a year ago.
It was the second time he had taken the test, but it was the one which he said possibly saved his life.
“When I first got the kit, the thought of it didn’t sit easy with me, but then after the first time it was easy,” Mr Johnston said.
“The initial test was negative but the second one came back positive for blood and it was recommended that I see a specialist.”
After having a colonoscopy, it was found Mr Johnston had seven polyps – abnormal growths in tissue.
Most were between two and five millimetres in size, which he said were removed, however one was 40mm.
“That one would have turned into cancer,” Mr Johnston said.
“As soon as [the doctors] found it, they removed it and that was end of story.
“I had a follow-up appointment 12 months later just to check on it and everything is still fine.”
He said screenings were something which everyone should have, no matter what for, as – like him – it may save someone’s life.
An iFOBT involves tacking a sample of stool and sending it off for analysis.
Western Australians aged 70 and 74 are now eligible to receive a free bowel cancer testing kit, which originally was only open to people turning 50, 55, 60 and 65 years old.
This is the first step by the Australian Government to meet its commitment to ensure all Australians aged 50-74 are eligible for screening every two years by 2020.
Eligible people will receive an iFOBT kit in the mail, which is completed in the comfort of one’s home and posted off for analysis.
If the iFOBT finds blood, which only occurs in about seven per cent of cases, further tests are needed and can involve undergoing a colonoscopy.
Cancer Council WA director education and research Terry Slevin said the addition of 70 and 74 year olds to the program was another step getting this important program to the right people.
“The latest research shows that at least 70,000 Australian bowel cancer deaths will be prevented in the coming 40 years thanks to the Government’s faster roll out of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and even more if the current low levels of participation improve,” he said.
Mr Slevin said the challenge was to get more people, and particularly men, to complete the test when they receive it in the post.
