The Australian Government has announced that from 1 July 2024, people aged 45 to 49 can now join the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program by requesting their first free bowel cancer screening kit.
Cancer Council WA welcomes this latest change to the program, which will mean that more West Australians can take action to reduce their risk of bowel cancer by doing the free and simple test. Bowel cancer is Australia’s second-biggest cancer killer. However, more than 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated if found early.
The bowel cancer screening test is for healthy people, with no known symptoms of bowel cancer, and tests for early signs of bowel cancer. The eligible age range for this program is based on bowel cancer clinical guidelines, which have been recently updated to recommend bowel cancer screening be offered to people from the age of 45.
You are eligible to do the free screening test every two years if you:
- are aged between 45 and 74
- have a Medicare card and entitlement type of either Australian citizen, permanent migrant or register as a Department of Veteran Affairs customer
- have an Australian mailing address
If you are aged 45 to 49, you can request your free kit . Alternatively, you can call the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701 or ask your doctor about getting a kit.
Your next kit will automatically be mailed every two years after your last screening test is completed. People aged 50 to 74 will continue to automatically receive their free kit in the mail every two years.
For people outside the eligible age range for bowel cancer screening (under 45 or over 74), the clinical guidelines recommend that you talk to your doctor about your screening options. Your doctor is best placed to explain the benefits and potential harms of bowel screening in the context of your individual health situation.
If you have any signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, or have a family history of bowel cancer, talk to your doctor before doing participating in the bowel cancer screening program.
More information
- Request a bowel cancer screening kit
- Learn more about bowel cancer screening
- To speak with one of cancer nurses call 13 11 20