THE NATIONAL BOWEL CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM SAVES LIVES.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, and around 80 Australians die from this disease every week.  If bowel cancer is detected early, it is the most curable type of cancer.  The risk of bowel cancer increases with age.   If you are over the age of 50, your risk  is increased significantly.

In 2016, people age 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 72 and 74 will receive a free screening kit in the mail, around the time of their birthday.  Over the next few years, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will endeavor to offer this free kit every 2 yearly to all Australians age 50 to 74.

The Program website now has an eligibility tool to help people find out when they will receive the free bowel cancer screening kit.  This tool and other information about bowel cancer screening can be found at : www.cancerscreening.gov.au/bowel