Bowel cancer screening participation on the rise

The latest published participation data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that 41.8 per cent of Queenslanders completed their bowel screening test in 2018-2019, up by 1 per cent from the previous year.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to reduce the impact of bowel cancer by facilitating early detection in asymptomatic people, allowing subsequent intervention and treatment. Eligible people aged 50-74 are invited to screen for bowel cancer with FOBT every two years.

A test kit is mailed to them to complete at home and return to the program’s pathology laboratory for analysis. There is no cost involved and results are provided to the patient and their GP within two weeks.

More than 100 Australians die from bowel cancer every week; but more than 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated if detected early.

Bowel cancer screening participation rates increase with age. For people aged 50-54, participation is just 31.3 per cent. GPs and primary care staff can have a very important role in promoting bowel cancer screening to their patients, particularly those approaching their 50th birthday. Multiple Australian studies have concluded that endorsement by health professionals is an effective method for increasing screening participation. Primary care staff are encouraged to discuss bowel screening with their patients aged 50-74 and recommend they participate, if clinically relevant.

For more information and access to promotional resources visit www.cancerscreening.gov.au.