- Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in women, the third most common cancer in men, and Australia's second biggest cancer killer
- 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be prevented through early detection
Western Australians who are over 50 are encouraged to participate in the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which provides a simple and effective way to test for the presence of bowel cancer - while in the comfort of your own home.
Bowel cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting both males and females, yet it is also one of the most preventable.
The program, which is managed by the Commonwealth Department of Health, in partnership with State and Territory governments, actively recruits and screens over 50s, those deemed most at-risk of the disease, for early detection and prevention of the disease.
Eligible participants in the 50-74 year age group are sent a test kit via the post, which can be completed at home and returned via the post to a laboratory for analysis. Those returning a positive result are then advised to consult with their GP for further assessment.
Despite the ease of the test, data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that a high proportion of Western Australians in the age group are not taking advantage of the free test.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Monitoring report 2017 showed 41.1 per cent of Western Australians participated in the free test, which while above the national average of 38.9 per cent participation, meant that nearly six out of every 10 people sent the free kit did not use it.
Of those who participated, 8.1 per cent returned a positive result and were able to seek further medical advice for testing and treatment.
People are reminded that while they may feel embarrassed or anxious about the test, which involves taking a faecal sample, early detection offers the best chance of beating this disease.
During the phased expansion of the program, kits will be sent out to more eligible people within the target group each year. By 2020, when the program is fully implemented, all eligible people aged 50-74 will receive a kit every two years.
For more information or to check when you will be invited to participate, visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website or call 1800 118 868.
Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:
"While bowel cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in Australia, it is also one of the most preventable.
"The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides people in the eligible age group with an easy, at-home test that can identify changes in their bowel they cannot see or feel.
"This free kit offers a chance to prevent this disease before it has time to become life altering.
"I encourage everyone who is in the 50-74 year-old age group to participate in the program, and if they have previously received a kit and not used it, to get in touch with the program and give themselves a second chance."
Minister's office - 6552 6500
