A Sydney man has received results from a new, lower-age bowel cancer screening test, marking a key step in the Australian Government’s expanded National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. The program, which began lowering the eligible screening age from 50 to 45 on July 1, 2024, aims to detect cancer earlier and improve survival rates.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, participated in the program after becoming eligible under the new age criteria. He received a free home test kit from the Australian Government and completed the screening process in four steps at home. Results were returned within the standard timeframe, according to a statement released by the Department of Health.
The expansion of the program follows evidence suggesting an increase in the incidence of bowel cancer in younger Australians. The Australian Government is sending free home test kits every two years to those aged 50-74, while individuals aged 45-49 can now request a kit to be mailed to them. The test involves a simple faecal immunochemical test (FIT), designed to detect microscopic traces of blood in stool, which can be an early indicator of bowel cancer or precancerous changes.
Cancer screening programs in Australia also exist for breast and cervical cancer. Women aged 25–74 are invited to screen under the new Cervical Screening Program, with screening repeated every 5 years. Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50—74, repeated every two years, with eligibility extending to those aged 40-49 and over 74.
Health officials emphasize the importance of participating in cancer screening, particularly after potential disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer Australia and the Department of Health encourage anyone who has delayed screening to catch up with their recommended tests. Early detection is considered one of the most effective ways to improve cancer outcomes.
The National Cancer Screening Register maintains records of screening results and sends reminders to eligible individuals. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that cancer remains a major cause of illness and death in Australia, with over 1.2 million Australians currently living with or having lived with cancer.
The Department of Health has not released specific details regarding the man’s test results, citing patient privacy. Further data on the impact of the expanded bowel cancer screening program is expected to be released by the AIHW in future reports. The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is also available for those at highest risk, but details regarding eligibility criteria were not released.
