Queenslanders get first free bowel cancer tests

Queenslanders are the first Australians to get free bowel cancer tests with Brisbane residents eligible for the program from the start of December.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said that the State Government had committed $10.4 million to progressively roll out the program across the state over the next two years. All states and territories have agreed to implement the program in collaboration with the Federal Government.

Mr Robertson said that bowel cancer was currently the most common cancer in Queensland men and women. In 2004, there were 2,486 new cases of bowel cancer and 857 people died from the disease in Queensland alone.

Queenslanders turning either 55 or 65 between 1 May 2006 and 30 June 2008 and those who participated in the pilot program a few years ago will receive invitations in the mail some time between now and the end of June 2008. People with a positive test will be advised to contact their general practitioner for referral and appropriate follow-up such as a colonoscopy.

Mr Robertson said Queensland Health was gradually phasing in the program with invitations starting in different areas from South East Queensland to Cape York during the next five months.