Monday, May 21, 2012


Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Australia, and around 80 Australians die each week from the disease. Bowel cancer can be treated successfully if detected in its early stages, but currently fewer than 40 per cent of bowel cancers are detected early.

What is the National Bower Cancer Screening Program (NBC SP)?
The NBCSP is a national population screening program that aims to prevent deaths and illness through the early detection and treatment of bowel cancer.

Who's running the NBCSP?
It is a Commonwealth Government initiative with support of all states and territory governments.

What's happened so far?
Phase one invited all Australian aged 55 or 65 (and those involved in the pilot programs) to participate in the screening program. 250,000 Victorians were invited to participate.

What is happening now?
Phase two invites all Australians who turn 50, 55 and 65 years of age between January 2008 and December 2010 to participate in the program. Phase two will invite more than 500,000 Victorians to participate.

What happens to participants?
Invitees are sent an invitation package that includes a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit with return mail instructions. Invitees who choose to participate in screening return their sample to the NBCSP pathology laboratory for analysis. Participants and their GPs, if nominated, are notified of their test results by letter. If the FOBT result is positive, the participant is encourages to consult their GP for further assessment and referral for colonoscopy if appropriate.
A General Practitioners role in the program:

Identify patients as NBCSP participants
Why? If you refer your patient to a designated health services they will receive a colonoscopy within 30 days.
How? To identify your patient use the NBCSP Participant Sticker on the referral letter or clearly state on the referral ‘NBCSP Participant’.

Provide information to the National Register:
Why? Information to the National Register safeguards your patient from becoming lost in the screening pathways. It also stops unnecessary reminder letters being sent to you and your patient.
How? Complete the Assessment Form and submit it to the National Register. Your Practice Manager or Practice Nurse can provide information on your behalf. 

Where can I go to get an FOBT if I am not eligible to participate in the program? There are two main types of FOBT - immunochemical tests and traditional chemical (guaiac) tests.

The immunochemical FOBT has been selected as the preferred testing method for the program, in contrast to the guaiac FOBT, as it has no restrictions on diet or medication.

The type of immunochemical FOBT being used in the program is called 'Detect™' (Siemens Medical), but is not available for purchase by the public.

Guaiac FOBTs require a person not to consume red meat, specific fruit and vegetables (for example, raw broccoli,) vitamin C supplements, aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for three days prior to taking the first test sample and throughout the testing period.

 You can now submit forms online:
1. ww.cancerscreening.gov.au and click on the link to FORMS in the left side blue strip.
2. Click on the link Electronic forms.
3. Select the relevant form and complete by typing in the boxes.
4. On the last page of the report you can choose to submit, print and save. To submit the form to the Register, hit the submit button.
5. A receipt will be returned acknowledging the successful lodgment of the form. Or, you can submit manually:

Obtaining forms – Option 1:
 1. Go to www.cancerscreening.gov.au and click on the link to FORMS in the left side bar.
2. Click on the link to Manual (printer friendly) Forms.
3. Click on the forms you need and print your own.

Obtaining forms – Option 2:
Free call 1800 118 868 or email bowelscreen@medicareaustralia.gov.au to order:
- assessment forms
- colonoscopy report forms
- histopathology report forms
- procedure report – adverse outcomes forms
- NBCSP participant stickers
- postage paid address label stickers 

ww.cancerscreening.gov.au or contact the Program Information Line: 1800 118 868
Important Contacts

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Information Line: 1800 118 868
For practice and patient materials, GP forms and multilingual information contact the
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Toll Free Fax Number: 1800 115 062
To send patient assessments to the NBCSP Registry

Cancer Council Help Line: 13 11 20
To help patients with concerns/questions – trained nurses
Advice to GPs on diagnosis, treatment and care
FOBT kits for non-eligible patients for pharmacies, health insurance funds

"Insure" Tel. 1800 556 575 (approx $34)
FOBT kits for non-eligible patients

Translating and Interpreting Service: 13 14 50

Dorevitch Pathology FOBT Helpline: 1300 738 365
For people who have problems understanding the FOBT kit instructions.
Information for General Practice

Preparing your Practice
GP Quick Guide - Role of GPs & Duty of Care
Simplified GP Quick Guide - Developed by the GP Network
Screening Pathway
Clinical Practice guidelines – summary
Information Payment


Clinical Software Templates

Instruction on how to upload the template
This template can be integrated into Medical Director, Best Practice, ZedMed and GP Complete. The template will be accepted by the NBCSP National Register as it includes the same information and format as the paper-based form.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program GP Assessment Form
The form was developed by the North East Valley Division of General Practice. 

Colonoscopy Providers

Eastern Region
Dorevitch Pathology FOBT Helpline: 1300 738 365
Provides assistance for people having difficulty understanding the kit instructions
(call 1800 118 868 if patient needs replacement FOBT kit)

Patient Information

Consumer Information – National Bowel Screen program
Information FOBT
Instructions FOBT

Websites

Health Insite
Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA)
Cancer Council Victoria
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program