A PUSH by a key public health group is seeking to lift rates of bowel cancer screening in New South Wales.
While data shows that nine out of 10 bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected early, a Cancer Council NSW spokesperson said the state had one of the lowest screening rates in Australia.
“Bowel cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Australia and screening rates remain well below the national target,” said Fiona Markwick, Cancer Council NSW community coordinator.
“When detected early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated and too many people in NSW are missing the opportunity to detect bowel cancer early.”
Screening rates are lowest in places where people have language or cultural blocks in accessing screening services and Ms Markwick said more could be done to engage with those communities.
“With consistent support from government, we could deliver regular education sessions across NSW to reach people who need this information most,” she said.
“We are working directly with communities across the state to deliver trusted in language and culturally appropriate bowel cancer screening education and support.”
As part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, people 45 to 74 years old can access a free screening kit, while people over 50 get the test every two years.
The kit is used at home, with participants asked to collect two samples three days apart and then return them in the post for testing.
A laboratory then looks for blood in the samples, and if it’s detected participants are advised to speak with their GP about further testing.
“Bowel cancer can often be treated successfully when found early,” Ms Markwick said.
“By supporting communities to help more people understand the importance of screening and take action sooner and save lives.”