Cancer screening and prevention

The National Cancer Screening Register is a single digital record that supports bowel, cervical, and lung cancer screening programs—making it easier for health professionals to manage and track patient screening histories.

Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can now complete a free at-home bowel cancer screening test, helping detect one of Australia’s most common cancers early—when treatment has the best chance of success.

BreastScreen NSW provides free mammograms to women aged 40 and over, with a focus on those aged 50–74, and encourages GPs to refer patients and review breast density reports to support early detection.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening and early intervention. The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) invites women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 to complete a Cervical Screening Test every five years.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program offers low-dose CT scans to detect lung cancer early in high-risk Australians, alongside resources to support health professionals with screening and smoking cessation.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year, skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in the country. Most of these are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australian men. Early detection through screening and timely access to appropriate treatment significantly improves health outcomes.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of illness and death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Up to one third of cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Health professionals play an important role in supporting patients to reduce their risk through evidence-based advice and practical resources.