The human microbiome is the composition of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) and microbial products that inhabit the human body. Recent research interest has focussed on the gastrointestinal (gut) microbiome and its effects on health and disease, including cancer.

The ABC Study will pilot faecal sample collection later this year. We aim eventually to invite everyone who fully completed ABC Study enrolment to participate. Participation will involve providing small samples of poo via a special collection card or tube, and returning them to us by post. Those invited to participate will also be asked to complete additional questions online. 

We will store these samples to enable future analysis of the gut microbiome. As with previous samples (saliva and blood) these will be stored at the Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory (GEL) at Monash University.

Image of the faecal sample kit

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