The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (external site) aims to reduce illness and death from bowel cancer through regular screening to support early detection.
Eligible participants are sent a free, easy to use screening kit that can be completed at home. Positive test results are notified to local teams in each state and territory and participants are encouraged to follow up with health services.
The program (external site) currently invites Australian men and women turning 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 74 to participate in the program, using records obtained from Medicare or Veterans’ Affairs.
Over the next four years, more age groups will be added to the program, with two-yearly screening soon available for all Australians between the ages of 50 and 74.
- In 2016, 72 and 64 year olds will be included
- In 2017, 54, 58 and 68 year olds will be included
- In 2018 – 2020, people aged 52, 56, 62 and 66 will be included in the program.
Further information
- National
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
Phone: 1800 118 868
- WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network Clinical Implementation Unit
Email: wacpcn@health.wa.gov.au
Phone: 6457 0855
Fax: 9222 2444