Bowel cancer screening in adults 45+
Take Charge of Your Health
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia — but it's also one of the most treatable when found early. For adults aged 45 and over, regular screening plays a crucial role in early detection. A simple at-home test could save your life.
Why Screening Matters
Most cases of bowel cancer develop from tiny growths called polyps in the bowel. These polyps can become cancerous over time, often without causing symptoms. By screening regularly, you increase the chances of finding and removing these polyps early, before they turn into cancer.
Bowel cancer screening is designed to detect invisible traces of blood in your stool — an early sign that something may be wrong. It’s not a diagnosis, but a first step in identifying the need for further investigation.
Who Should Be Screened?
- Ages 45–49: You can now request a free screening kit from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
- Ages 50–74: If you're eligible, you'll automatically receive a free home test kit in the mail every two years.
- Higher Risk Individuals: If you have a family history of bowel cancer or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about screening more often or starting earlier.
The test is for people who have no signs or symptoms of Bowel cancer, because bowel cancer can develop without noticing the early signs.
How the Screening Works
The process is simple:
1. Receive your free screening kit in the mail.
2. Collect a small stool sample at home using the provided instructions.
3. Send it back in the reply-paid envelope.
4. Get your results by mail within a few weeks.
The test is clean, quick, and completely non-invasive — and it could save your life.
Make It a Routine Part of Your Health Check
Early detection through bowel cancer screening significantly increases the chance of successful treatment. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
To learn more or request a screening kit if you're aged 45–49, visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website.
