MPHN supports the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

This National Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is reminding people aged 50 to 74 years to participate in the bowel cancer screening test every two years.

MPHN Senior Manager Population Health Planning and Data Dr Jason Bennie said detecting bowel cancer early can lead to the successful treatment in more than 90 per cent of cases.

“Whilst bowel cancer screening participation in the Murrumbidgee region is slightly lower than the national average, detection of the cancer is higher than other regions around Australia,” Dr Bennie said.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free bowel screening test kits in the mail to eligible Australians aged 50 to 74.

Principal doctor of Trinity Medical Centre, Dr Gracy Gouda said the home bowel cancer screening test is quick, clean and easy to do and can be completed in the comfort of your own home.

“Once the test is completed and mailed, the results will be sent to the patient and their GP within two weeks. Their GP will be in contact if they need to discuss their results further,” Dr Gouda said.

“People diagnosed through the National Cancer Screening Program have much better survival prospects and those who are eligible for home test kit and have not participated yet are highly encouraged to do so.

“The COVID-19 pandemic put a strain on the health system where there may have been delays for testing, procedures, and follow-up medical appointments. However, this should not deter anyone from conducting the home test kit, it could save your life.”

Click here to learn more about the National Cancer Screening Program.