Improvements to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) has introduced several updates to make bowel cancer screening and follow up easier and more efficient.
Key changes for GPs
The GP Assessment Report has been streamlined and now includes clearer clinical pathway triggers. The updated form supports:
simpler reporting following a positive bowel screening test
timely colonoscopy reminders
appropriate patient follow up
alignment with the updated colonoscopy, histopathology and adverse events forms.
Submitting forms
GPs can:
submit forms through integrated clinical software
use the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) Healthcare Provider Portal
download forms and return them by fax or mail.
Practices not yet integrated with the NCSR can find information about the process here: https://ncsr.gov.au/about-us/how-to-interact-with-the-NCSR/for-healthcare-providers/clinical-software-integration
Other program updates
Pathology laboratories can now submit all bowel histopathology data directly to the NCSR, supporting ongoing monitoring of the quality and effectiveness of the NBCSP.
A selection of newly updated participant letters has been translated and published on the program website: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program-letters-we-send-you?language=en
These expanded correspondence options aim to improve accessibility and encourage greater participation in bowel cancer screening.