Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Each week, around 300 Australians are diagnosed with the disease and 100 will lose their lives[1]. Although around one in 13 Australians will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime, over 90% of bowel cancer diagnoses can be successfully treated when detected early[2]. This is why bowel cancer screening is so important.
The Australian government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free screening test kits to all eligible Australians aged 50-74 years every two years. From 1 July 2024, they are lowering the eligible starting age of the Program from 50 years to 45 years:
- Eligible people aged 45-49 years can request their first bowel cancer screening kit be mailed to them
- Eligible people aged 50-74 years will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every two years
Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website for more information about the changes in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Additional Resources
Health care providers can access a range of clinical information and resources for free using Western Sydney HealthPathways:
If you need the general login details to access HealthPathways, please contact our HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au
The Department of Health and Aged Care has funded Cancer Council Australia’s ‘Get2it’ campaign to encourage eligible individuals to complete the test, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. The campaign provides information about the importance of screening every two years, home tests kits and how to use them. Resources catered to First Nations communities are also available.
Information is correct as of 13 June 2024
[1] Department of Health and Aged Care, The National Cancer Screening Register marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, National Cancer Screening Register. Access by: https://www.ncsr.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/The-NCSR-marks-Bowel-Cancer-Awareness-Month.html
[2] Department of Health and Aged Care, The National Cancer Screening Register marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, National Cancer Screening Register. Access by: https://www.ncsr.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/The-NCSR-marks-Bowel-Cancer-Awareness-Month.html