A five-year campaign by Bowel Cancer Australia has resulted in significant changes to bowel cancer screening.
For the first time, screening for people at average risk of developing bowel cancer is recommended every two years for people aged 45-74 (previously 50-74), along with a lowering of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) start age from 50 to 45.
People aged 40-44 (previously 45-49) are also able to request screening via their healthcare professional before receiving their first NBCSP invitation.
More than 1700 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer under the age of 50 each year and people aged 40-49 account for 56 per cent of new cases and 64 per cent of deaths in those diagnosed under 50. Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for those aged 25-44.
Recommendations to begin screening from age 45 were first introduced in the US in 2018.
Do you participate in the free government bowel cancer screening program?