June marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This annual initiative from Bowel Cancer Australia aims to raise awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer which claims the lives of over 103 people every week. It is also one of the most treatable cancers, if found early. Despite this, only 38% of eligible people in NSW take part in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (The Program).
The Program is an Australian Government initiative that sends out free bowel cancer screening tests to eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 every two years. If found early, 9 out of 10 cases of bowel cancer can be successfully treated.
It’s important to be informed and stay aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, especially during the COVID–19 pandemic. Information for general practices about the impacts of COVID-19 on bowel cancer screening is available on the Cancer Screening website.
GPs can also access a range of resources for patients from Bowel Cancer Australia to help increase understanding of bowel cancer, the treatments available and how people living with bowel cancer can adjust to the ‘new’ normal. GP resources, online training and information videos are available to help support patients.
More information about Bowel Cancer Screening and resources are available on our dedicated webpage.
A bowel cancer screening pathway is available in Western Sydney HealthPathways.
To access HealthPathways, you will need the general login details. For more information, please contact our HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au
For WSLHD and SCHN Staff, please access HealthPathways via the WSLHD/SCHN Intranet Applications page.