Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer and around 15,500 Aussies are diagnosed with the disease every year. From 1 July 2024, 1.6 million Australians aged 45 to 49 will be able to join the Australian Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Bowel cancer can develop without a family history of the disease and often without signs and symptoms. This free test can find traces of blood in your poo that may indicate the presence of cancer or pre-cancerous polyps. Catching it early is key. If found early, over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated. So do the test when you receive it in the mail or order one for free. 

From 1 July 2024,  the eligible screening age will be lowered from 50 to 45. This means people aged 45 to 49 can join the program.

• People aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit be mailed to them.
• People aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every 2 years.

To request a kit go to;

https://www.ncsr.gov.au/information-for-participants/order-a-replacement-bowel-test-kit/

People with signs, symptoms, or a family history of bowel cancer, should talk with a doctor before screening with the program.