What is the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program?
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is a life-saving program to catch bowel cancer early. For eligible Australians aged 45 to 74, a FREE home test is available every two years. The best part? Early detection means 90% of cases can be treated successfully. Ideally, we want to find any problems before you have any symptoms.
Top Risk Factors for Bowel Cancer
Certain lifestyle choices and health conditions can increase your risk of developing bowel cancer. Here are a few:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Diets high in red and processed meats and low in fruits and veggies
Additionally, discuss your risk with your GP if you have:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- A history of non-cancerous bowel tumours
- A family history of bowel cancer, particularly if relatives were diagnosed young
Tips to Lower Your Bowel Cancer Risk
Do you want to lower your risks and live a healthier life? Here’s how:
- Regular Bowel Screening: Get screened every two years. Early detection is your best defence.
- Healthy Diet: Fill your plate with a rainbow of vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.
- Cut Back on Red & Processed Meat: Limit foods like bacon, ham, and certain sausages.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily and reduce sedentary time.
- Limit Alcohol: Moderation is key.
- Quit Smoking: It’s never too late to benefit from quitting.
Why the Change? Bowel Cancer Screening Now Starts at 45
There’s been a spike in bowel cancer cases among younger Aussies. To tackle this, from 1 July 2024, the screening age dropped to 45. This means an extra 1.6 million Australians will have access to potentially life-saving tests.
The government has expanded the screening program to include those aged 45-49. However, you need to opt in and request the test kit.
To sign up head to this link or call the National Bowel Screening Testing Program 1800 627 701.
The Bowel Cancer Screening Test: What to Expect
Testing your bowel isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential for healthy aging. The process is simple and can be done in the comfort of your home. The Australian Government provides helpful resources:
- Instructional Video – A step-by-step guide on how to complete the test:
- Downloadable PDF – Accessible anytime: National-bowel-cancer-screening-program-how-to-do-the-bowel-test
No Symptoms? No Family History? Do the Test Anyway
You might feel perfectly healthy, but bowel cancer often sneaks up with no early symptoms.
Age is the biggest risk factor for bowel cancer.
Screening over 45 is essential for catching it early and improving treatment success rates. Regular screening could save your life. Remember to sign up online to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to get the process started.
Still not sure or have more questions?
The Practice at Clem Jones Centre has free bowel cancer screening kits. Our specialist GPs or our practice nurse can spend time discussing any concerns you may have one-on-one. We can also show you a test kit and demonstrate what the testing involves.
We aim to help you age well, prevent unnecessary illness and keep you well. Cancer screening and advising you of national health changes is what we do – so you can do the poo.
If this information has raised any concerns, you can book an appointment with one of our doctors. Just click the appointment button here.
Reference & more info:
Lowered eligible age for bowel screening | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
