Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,350 people a year) – but it’s one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early.
While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease doesn’t discriminate, affecting people of all ages.
299 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer this week (15,531 people a year).
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – aiming to raise awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer, championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer, and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.
The Australian Government introduced the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) to reduce the number of deaths from bowel cancer in Australia by detecting early signs of the disease. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated.
Currently, eligible people aged 50-74 will receive a FREE test in the mail, to be done at home every two years. And from 1 July 2024, the eligible screening age will be lowered from 50 to 45.
Helpful links
Learn more about bowel cancer and the resources available to you by visiting:
- Bowel Cancer Australia
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (Australian Government)
- Cancer Institute NSW
