As of 1 July 2024, Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has lowered the eligible age for screening from 50 to 45 years. So, if you’re 45 years or older you can now participate in regular screening to detect bowel cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
FACTS ON THIS PAGE
- Understanding Bowel Cancer
- Rates of Bowel Cancer in Australia
- Bowel Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know
- Eligibility and Screening Process
- Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
- Prevention of Bowel Cancer
- Act Today!
- Contact Nillumbik Medical Centre
Understanding Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum and is one of the most common types of cancer in Australia. It can affect both men and women, and the risk increases with age. Factors such as a family history of bowel cancer, certain genetic conditions, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and inflammatory bowel disease can also increase your risk.
Rates of Bowel Cancer in Australia
According to Cancer Australia, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the country — claiming the lives of approximately 5,000 people annually. It’s currently, the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting Australians, with over 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Bowel Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know
Eligibility and Screening Process
Ages 45 to 49: Now that the bowel cancer screen age has been lowered, individuals in this age group can request their first bowel cancer screening kit to be mailed to them.
Ages 50 to 74: Those aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a screening kit in the mail every two years to screen for bowel cancer.
Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Early stages of bowel cancer may not always present symptoms, which is why regular bowel cancer screening is essential. However, the symptoms of bowel cancer can include changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or fatigue.
Prevention of Bowel Cancer
While not all cases of bowel cancer are preventable, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk, including:
- maintaining a healthy weight
- eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking
- staying physically active
- monitoring for symptoms of bowel cancer
- participating in regular bowel cancer screening as recommended
Act Today!
Early detection of bowel cancer through screening can save lives, and we encourage every eligible person to take advantage of this important initiative. If you’re approaching 45 or have loved ones in this age group, spread the word so we can combat bowel cancer together.
If you have any concerns about bowel cancer or want to learn more about the screening process or the symptoms of bowel cancer, contact your local medical centre. We’re committed to supporting your health needs!
Contact Nillumbik Medical Centre
Regular screening is vital in detecting bowel cancer early when treatment is most effective. By lowering the screening age to 45, bowel cancer can be detected and treated sooner, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives. Contact us today to learn more about how to benefit from early screening.
Eligible people aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit by submitting the webform or calling 1800 627 701 today.
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