Cancer Council campaign warns ‘bowel cancer waits for no one’

Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Government have launched a new national campaign urging Australians to complete their free at-home bowel cancer screening test.

The campaign, Bowel Cancer Waits for No One, will run across television, radio, digital and social media, with tailored messaging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people living in rural and remote areas.

The push comes as participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program remains below half, with 41.7% of Australians completing the test.

Cancer Council Australia said increasing participation to 60% could save 84,000 lives by 2040.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, but more than 90% of cases can be treated successfully if found early.

Federal health minister Mark Butler said the campaign was designed to remind Australians not to delay screening.

“The Albanese Government is funding this vital campaign because we know bowel cancer screening saves lives,” Butler said.

“Bowel cancer waits for no one – it is claiming the lives of 100 Australians per week.

“My message to Australians is simple: do not delay your bowel cancer screening test. It is a free, simple test that could potentially save your life.”

The campaign aims to reduce emotional and social barriers to screening, making the test feel normal, easy and safe.

Cancer Council Australia CEO Jacinta Reddan said while most Australians understand the importance of bowel cancer screening, many still delay completing the test.

“Research tells us that most Australians know the importance of screening for bowel cancer, but many still delay taking the test. People put it off, life gets in the way, or fear of what the result might show holds them back,” Reddan said.

“Prioritising your health is the best thing you can do. If you’re aged 45-74, join the millions who have done the test – it could potentially save your life.”

The at-home test detects blood in stool, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer before symptoms appear.

Australians aged 50 to 74 are automatically sent a free test kit every two years. Those aged 45 to 49 can request their first free kit through the National Cancer Screening Register or by phone.

People experiencing signs or symptoms, or who are unsure whether screening is right for them, are encouraged to speak with their GP.