Free bowel cancer screening program starts in WA

The first phase of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has started in Perth suburbs with Medicare Australia sending a free Faecal Occult Blood Test to people who turn 55 or 65 years of age between 1 May 2006 and 30 June 2008, inviting them to participate in the program.

Health Policy & Clinical Reform executive director, Dr Simon Towler, said bowel cancer had a significant impact on the health of Western Australians. In 2004, 612 men and 477 women were diagnosed with bowel cancer in WA, while 208 men and 175 women died from the disease (WA Cancer Registry Data, 2004).

“Screening for bowel cancer has the potential to not only facilitate early diagnosis, but also to prevent the development of the disease,” Dr Towler said.

“If detected early, many bowel cancers have up to a 90% cure rate. If a participant’s test result is positive, they will be notified and advised to attend their GP for further assessment and it is likely they may be referred for a colonoscopy.”

For more information contact the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program helpline on 1800 118 868.