Bowel cancer
In Australia about 13,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is currently being implemented in Australia. At present it is being offered to all Australians turning 55 or 65 years of age between 1 May 2006 and 30 June 2008, and those who were involved in the Pilot Program that ran from November 2002 to June 2004.
Screening will use faecal occult blood (FOB) testing at home with samples being mailed back.
NHMRC guidelines indicate that for persons of average risk, FOB testing is recommended at least every two years for all people over the age of 50. If eligible, participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is recommended.
