Ever been told you are one in a million? If you are turning either 55 or 65 between May 2006 and June 2008, you soon will be.
Phase one of the Federal Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is now underway with around one million men and women being urged to screen for a disease that kills 90 Australians every week.
As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Week, The Cancer Council Australia is encouraging all eligible Australians to take part in the free testing program. Those eligible in the first phase will receive a simple, at-home kit in the post to test their bowel motion for early signs of bowel cancer.
The Cancer Council Australia’s CEO, Professor Ian Olver, said that if detected early enough, “90 per cent of bowel cancer cases were curable”.
“Pap testing and mammograms have been available to women for many years, however this is the first time both men and women have been included in a national, population-based cancer screening program,” Professor Olver said. “With a high level of participation, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has the potential to save more lives each year than breast and cervical screening combined.”
Chair of The Cancer Council’s national Bowel Cancer Screening Committee, Alison Peipers, said around one million people were being targeted in the first phase of the program. “However, when the program is running at full capacity, an estimated five million people will be eligible for regular bowel cancer screening,” she said.
“The Cancer Council is urging all Australians targeted in this first phase to take part to ensure the ongoing success of the program.”
Media contacts
Glen Turner p. 02 9036 3100 m. 0412 443 212 e. glen.turner@cancer.org.au
Erin Sharp p. 02 9036 3100 m. 0409 599 489 e. erin.sharp@cancer.org.au
Background
How does the program work?
All Australians eligible for the first phase of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will be sent a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit in the mail. The simple test is done at home and mailed to a laboratory for analysis.
The test will look for small amounts of blood in the participants' bowel motions, which could be, but is not always an indication of bowel cancer. People who return a positive FOBT test result will be referred to their GP for further testing.
Preventing bowel cancer
Bowel cancer claims the lives of 90 Australians every week – that is more than three times the national road toll. While screening is effective at detecting early signs of bowel cancer, prevention plays a vital role in tackling onset of the disease.
New Cancer Council research shows a strong link between obesity and cancer. A 20-year Victorian study, involving over 40,000 participants, reveals a waistline measurement of over 100cm for men and 85cm for women, significantly increases risk of cancer, including bowel cancer.
“People who exceed these measurements should look at implementing lifestyle changes to help reduce their cancer risk,” said Professor Olver. “Lifestyle changes such as eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and including exercise in your daily life will help. While early detection is important, taking preventative steps to reduce the risk of bowel cancer is equally important.”
Bowel cancer symptoms
When bowel cancer symptoms are present, they may include:
- Blood after a bowel motion
- An unexplained and persistent change in bowel actions. For example, looser or more frequent bowel motions or becoming severely constipated
- Unexplained tiredness
- Lower abdominal pain or a persistent feeling of fullness.
If you notice any of these symptoms it is important that you see your doctor. In most cases they will have been caused by something other than cancer, but if they are related to bowel cancer, early detection will give the best chance of cure.
The Cancer Council recommends all Australians over 50 who are not yet eligible for the national program speak to their GP about screening for bowel cancer.
For further information about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program visit www.cancerscreening.gov.au or call the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program information line on 1800 118 868.
People with questions about bowel cancer can call The Cancer Council Helpline on
13 11 20 for the cost of a local call.