The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) (external site) aims to reduce illness and death from bowel cancer through regular screening to support early detection.

The NBCSP currently invites all eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 to participate. Eligible participants are sent a free, easy to use test kit that can be done at home. The test will be posted to you every two years using records obtained from Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

If detected early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated. If you have any concerns about bowel cancer, or if you have bowel cancer symptoms (external site), contact your GP straight away.