How is your bowel? Test for bowel cancer with free home kit
This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging the community to take part in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invites people aged 50 to 74 to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home. Screening can save lives by detecting the early signs of bowel cancer.
MPHN Chief Data Officer Dr Jason Bennie PhD said early detection of bowel cancer can lead to successful treatment in more than 90 per cent of cases.
“The Murrumbidgee is currently sitting slightly below the state and national rates for bowel cancer screening, so we’d really like to see our local screening rates rise,” Dr Bennie said.
“The screening test can be done at home, and it’s a safe and easy way to check your bowel health.”
Bowel screening is important as bowel cancer often develops without any symptoms. The cancer can grow in the bowel for years before spreading to other parts of the body.
Access your free home test kit by registering with the National Cancer Screening Register who will mail your kit to you, or visit a participating healthcare provider to collect a kit in person.
Principal doctor of Trinity Medical Centre (Wagga Wagga), Dr Gracy Gouda said the home bowel cancer screening test is free, 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,” Dr Gouda said.
“Their GP will be in contact if they need to discuss their results further.
“Screening is the best way to find bowel cancer early. When we find bowel cancer early, successful treatment is more likely.”
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program campaign is delivered in partnership with the Australian Government and Cancer Council.
For more information about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, visit health.gov.au/nbcsp
To sign up to the National Cancer Screening Register, visit ncsr.gov.au