Faecal occult blood test: current practice in a rural Queensland community

The findings of a recent telephone survey of 604 residents (50-74 years of age) in a rural community in Queensland are presented. The survey focused on the participants' knowledge concerning the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) and their previous testing history. Responses were analysed in terms of gender, age and education differences. More than half of all participants were aware of the FOBT, and 109 (18%) had undergone FOBT in the past. Fewer understood the importance of "health checks without symptoms" than the "advantage of early treatment". The most common reasons to use FOBT were: "prevention" and "I want to know if I have cancer". A person's gender, age and education were shown to be associated with their knowledge and beliefs. These results suggest an increase in the use of the FOBT with time (in relation to previous surveys), but a poor understanding of its place in promoting health.