Received a Positive Bowel Screening Test Result?
A positive Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) means that blood has been detected in your stool sample.
While this can understandably be concerning, a positive result does not necessarily mean bowel cancer is present. Many positive results are caused by non-cancerous conditions. However, further investigation with colonoscopy is generally recommended.
What does a Positive FOBT mean?
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program uses a stool test to detect small amounts of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye.
A positive result means:
Blood was detected
It does not diagnose cancer
Further investigation is recommended
Common Causes of a Positive FOBT
A positive result can occur due to:
- Bowel polyps
- Haemorrhoids
- Diverticular disease
- Inflammation of the bowel
- Anal fissures
- Bowel cancer
How Common Is A Positive Result?
Around 7–8% of participants in the Australian screening program receive a positive result.
Colonoscopy is performed to identify the cause.
Most people with a positive test do not have bowel cancer.
Why Is Colonoscopy Recommended?
Colonoscopy remains the most accurate test for investigating a positive FOBT result.
During colonoscopy:
- Potential causes of bleeding can be investigated.
- The lining of the bowel is examined directly.
- Polyps can be identified and removed.
- Biopsies can be taken if required.
Polyps
Polyps are small growths within the bowel.
Most polyps are benign, but some may develop into bowel cancer over many years.
Removing polyps during colonoscopy can help reduce future bowel cancer risk.
What Is The Risk Of Bowel Cancer After A Positive FOBT?
Most positive FOBT results are not caused by bowel cancer. However, bowel cancer is identified in a proportion of patients undergoing investigation, which is why timely colonoscopy is recommended.
How Soon Should I Have A Colonoscopy?
Patients should discuss the result with their GP promptly. Where appropriate, referral for colonoscopy should not be unnecessarily delayed.
What Happens Next?
Looking for a specialist?
DirectColonoscopy.com.au helps patients and GPs identify participating specialists providing direct access colonoscopy services across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can haemorrhoids cause a positive FOBT?
Yes. Haemorrhoids can sometimes cause bleeding and contribute to a positive result.
If I feel well, do I still need a colonoscopy?
Many bowel polyps and early bowel cancers cause no symptoms. This is why further assessment is generally recommended.
Can the FOBT be wrong?
The test is highly useful but not perfect. Colonoscopy helps determine the cause of a positive result.
Can I have a positive result without cancer?
Yes. Most positive results are caused by conditions other than bowel cancer.
Related Resources
- Family History of Bowel Cancer: When Should You Be Screened?
- Colonoscopy Surveillance After Polyps
- Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Colonoscopy
- Direct Access Colonoscopy Explained
- Colonoscopy Costs Australia
- Understanding Medicare Colonoscopy Item 32222