June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,354 people each year), but it’s one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early.
Encouraging patients aged 50 to 74 to screen for bowel cancer is now easier, with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program enabling healthcare providers to bulk order program kits and issue them to eligible patients.
Healthcare providers can help people who have never screened or are overdue for screening to take that positive next step, with patients more likely to do the test after discussion with a trusted healthcare professional.
Here are the five simple steps a practice can take:
- Register for access to the National Cancer Screening Register Healthcare Provider (HCP) Portal. Clinical software can be integrated for easier access.
- Get training on bowel screening, using the portal, and having conversations with patients.
- Order the free test kits in bulk.
- Hand out kits to eligible patients and record this in the portal.
- Access resources with culturally tailored options, including an expanded range for Indigenous people to promote participation in the program.
All kits handed to patients must be issued via the National Cancer Screening Register to ensure patients get their results.
For more information, refer to:
- Healthy North Coast’s Primary Care Impact page ‘Improve FOBT screening of people aged 50-74’
- HealthPathways Bowel Cancer Screening
Mid and North Coast Localised Pathways
manc.communityhealthpathways.org
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