• Sun protection
  • About skin cancer
  • Causes of skin cancer
  • Check for signs of skin cancer
  • Preventing skin cancer
    • SPF50+ sunscreen
  • Vitamin D
    • How much sun is enough?
  • UV alert
    • UV Alert widget
    • SunSmart App
  • Nanoparticles and sunscreen
  • SunSmart position statements
  • Shop for sun protection products
  • SunSmart schools and early childhood programs
    • Real Stories: secondary school resource
    • Primary school resource
  • Sun protection in the workplace
  • Campaigns and events
    • Slip Slop Slap Seek Slide
    • No tan is worth dying for
    • Protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer
    • Skin Cancer Action Week
• Nutrition and physical activity
  • Body weight
  • Food and nutrition
  • Physical activity
  • Alcohol
  • Cancer patients and diets
  • National Secondary Students' Diet and Physical Activity survey
• Smoking and tobacco
  • Smoking
  • Quitting smoking
  • Myths about smoking
  • Myths about tobacco control
• Reduce your risk
  • Quit smoking
  • Eat for health
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Be SunSmart
  • Limit alcohol
  • Move your body
  • Get checked - men
  • Get checked - women
• Early detection
  • General advice
  • Early detection fact sheets
    • Breast cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Bowel cancer
    • Prostate cancer
    • Understanding your pap smear results
    • Understanding your FOBT
  • Screening programs
    • Breast cancer screening
    • Bowel cancer screening
    • Cervical cancer screening
    • Prostate cancer screening

Early detection

Some cancers can be detected at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Tests have been developed that can detect these cancers well before any symptoms are present. 

Tests are currently available for breast cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer and prostate cancer. These are national population-based screening programs provided free of charge for people who are eligible. 

It is also a good idea to get to know your own body. If you notice any changes, such as a lump in your breast or a spot growing on your skin, see your doctor.

The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health.

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This page was last updated on: Sunday, August 19, 2012