GPs encouraged to talk about bowel screening

The latest published participation data shows that just four in ten eligible Queenslanders participated in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) in 2017-2018. This rate is unchanged from the prior year.

More than 80 Australians die from bowel cancer every week. If detected early, 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated.

At the current rate of participation, the NBCSP is estimated to save 59,000 Australian lives between 2015 and 2040. If participation increased to 50 per cent, an additional 16,800 Australian lives could be saved by 2040.

The 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 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.

Multiple Australian studies have concluded that endorsement by doctors 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.