Here's What Happens Next in Liverpool. Do Not Ignore a Positive Result - Act Now
Receiving a positive result on your bowel cancer screening test (FOBT – Faecal Occult Blood Test) can be frightening. Your mind may immediately jump to the worst. But understanding what a positive FOBT actually means – and what the next step is – will help you act quickly and calmly.
The most important message: a positive FOBT result does not mean you have bowel cancer. It means blood has been detected in your stool sample – and that warrants further investigation. The next step is a colonoscopy.
Appointments Available on Average Within 4-8 Weeks Depending on the Urgency Book online 24/7 at drdeveshkaushal.com.au | Call (02) 7906 8312 |
What Is the FOBT and Why Was I Sent One?
The Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a simple home test that checks for traces of blood in your stool – blood that is invisible to the naked eye. It is part of the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which sends free test kits to all Australians aged 45 to 74 every two years.
Blood in the stool can come from several sources in the bowel – and finding it early, before it causes obvious symptoms, is the entire purpose of the program. Bowel cancer detected at an early stage has a survival rate of over 90%.
What Does a Positive FOBT Result Mean?
A positive FOBT means blood was detected in at least one of your stool samples. This does not automatically mean cancer. Common causes of blood detected on FOBT include:
Common & Less Serious Causes • Haemorrhoids (piles) • Anal fissure • Benign bowel polyps • Diverticular disease • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) • Aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications | Serious Causes Requiring Exclusion • Colorectal cancer • Large or advanced adenomatous polyps • Bowel cancer precursors
A colonoscopy is the only way to find out which of these is the cause. |
Why You Must Not Delay - The Statistics That Matter
One of the most important things about a positive FOBT result is acting on it promptly. Studies consistently show that patients who delay colonoscopy after a positive FOBT result have significantly worse outcomes.
• Stage 1 bowel cancer: Over 90% 5-year survival rate • Stage 2 bowel cancer: Approximately 75-80% 5-year survival • Stage 3 bowel cancer: Approximately 50-60% 5-year survival • Stage 4 bowel cancer: Approximately 10-15% 5-year survival
Early detection through colonoscopy following a positive FOBT result is one of the most effective cancer-saving interventions available. |
Your Step-by-Step Pathway After a Positive FOBT
Step 1 | See your GP Take your positive FOBT result letter to your GP as soon as possible – within days, not weeks. Your GP will provide a referral for an urgent colonoscopy. Without a referral, you cannot access Medicare rebates. |
Step 2 | Book with Dr Kaushal Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms on (02) 7906 8312 or book online at drdeveshkaushal.com.au. Positive FOBT referrals are prioritised – appointments are available on average within 4 weeks. |
Step 3 | Pre-procedure consultation Dr Kaushal reviews your history, discusses the procedure, and provides your bowel preparation instructions. Any questions are answered before the day. |
Step 4 | Bowel preparation Follow the preparation instructions carefully over the 2 days before your colonoscopy. A clean bowel is essential for accurate findings. |
Step 5 | Colonoscopy procedure The procedure takes 20 to 45 minutes under light sedation. The entire colon is examined. Any polyps found are removed at the same time. Biopsies are taken from any areas of concern. |
Step 6 | Results and next steps Initial findings are discussed with you on the same day. Biopsy results follow within 5 to 7 days. Dr Kaushal advises on any further management or surveillance required. |
What Happens If the Colonoscopy Finds Something?
If polyps are found:
Polyps are removed at the time of colonoscopy in most cases (polypectomy). They are sent to pathology – results in 5 to 7 days. Based on polyp type, size, and number, Dr Kaushal recommends your next surveillance colonoscopy interval – usually 3 or 5 years.
If nothing abnormal is found:
May need further investigation using pill cam/ small bowel imaging from any other source.
If bowel cancer is suspected:
If an abnormality concerning for cancer is found, biopsies are taken immediately. Dr Kaushal will refer you promptly to the appropriate multidisciplinary team. Early-stage bowel cancer found at colonoscopy is highly treatable – which is exactly why the screening program exists.
Frequently Asked Questions - Positive FOBT Liverpool
Does a positive FOBT mean I definitely have cancer?
No. A positive FOBT means blood was detected in your stool – which has many possible causes, most of which are not cancer. However, it must be investigated with colonoscopy to find out the cause. Never assume it is nothing serious without being properly checked.
How urgent is colonoscopy after a positive FOBT?
It should be arranged promptly – ideally within 4 to 8 weeks of the positive result. Delays in follow-up are associated with worse outcomes if cancer is present. Do not wait. Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms as soon as you have your GP referral.
I feel completely well – do I still need a colonoscopy?
Yes. Bowel cancer and bowel polyps frequently cause no symptoms in their early stages – which is precisely why screening exists. Feeling well does not mean the bowel is normal. A positive FOBT must always be followed up with colonoscopy regardless of symptoms.
Is colonoscopy after a positive FOBT covered by Medicare?
Yes. Colonoscopy following a positive FOBT is covered by Medicare with a GP referral. Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms for a full breakdown of any expected costs.
Received a Positive FOBT Result? Act Now.
Do not put this off. Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms today to arrange your colonoscopy in Liverpool. Positive FOBT referrals are given priority – your result will be acted on promptly and professionally.
Contact Dr Devesh Kaushal Liverpool Consulting Rooms Phone: (02) 7906 8312 Email: [email protected] Book Online: drdeveshkaushal.com.au Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Operating at: Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool | Campbelltown Public Hospital | Campbelltown Private Hospital | The George Hospital Appointments available on average within 4-8 weeks | Book online 24/7 | Medicare & Private Health Insurance Accepted |