More to get bowel cancer test
Australia's revamped national bowel cancer screening program could save 90,000 lives over the next four decades, cancer experts say.
The Federal Government will today announce an extra $95.9 million in funding to ensure all Australians aged 50 to 74 get a free, at-home bowel cancer screening kit every two years by 2020.
Previously people were only sent screening kits every five years between the age of 50 and 65, with nothing sent to those aged 66 to 74.
Cancer Council Australia director of public policy Paul Grogan said that tens of thousands of Australians were walking around with a precancerous polyp or an early-stage cancer in their bowel but had no idea.
"The best way for people who are eligible for the screening program to reduce their risk of late-stage bowel cancer is to complete the free screening test when it arrives in the post," he said.
"This year, all Australians aged 70 and 74 will get a free bowel cancer screening test mailed to them, joining those aged 50, 55, 60 and 65 who are already included in the program."
