We aim to keep practitioners and consumers informed about the different types of cancer, cancer screening programs and any other relevant information that contributes to the detection, prevention and treatment of cancer.
Early detection of cancer is a key factor in reducing morbidity and mortality of common cancers. We work with consumers, general practices and other partners to increase screening rates for breast, cervical and bowel cancers.
Advances in prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are allowing many more people to survive and live longer with the disease.
Cervical cancer develops from the tissues of the cervix. It is also called cancer of the uterine cervix. It is the third most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australian women.
The cervix is part of the female reproductive system, which also includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva. For more great resources go to the Australian Government Cancer Australia website. The National Cervical Screening Program aims to prevent cervical cancer by detecting early changes in the cervix. The rate of cervical cancer has halved since the Program began in 1991. It is currently recommended that all women aged between 18 and 69, who have ever been sexually active, have regular Pap tests. 80 per cent of cervical cancer occurs in women who have never screened or don’t screen regularly. To find out more about the renewed national cervical cancer screening program go to the Australian Government Department of Health cancer screening website.Bowel cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the wall of the large bowel grow in an uncontrolled way. The large bowel includes the colon (large intestine), rectum and anal canal.
For information go to the Australian Government Cancer Australia website.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) invites eligible people aged 50 – 74 to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home.
Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Around one in 23 Australians will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime.
The NBCSP aims to continue to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection of the disease.
Find out more at the Australian Government Department of Health cancer screening website.
