Cancer Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of an additional $95.9 million over four years to accelerate the full implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Australia, with approximately 17,000 people expected to be diagnosed this year. This number is projected to increase to 20,000 by 2020.
Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Helen Zorbas said the Federal Government’s commitment to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme will provide free bowel cancer screening every two years for people aged 50 to 74 by 2020.
“Approximately 4,000 people in Australia die from bowel cancer each year, a disease that is potentially one of the most preventable cancers through the early detection of abnormalities from screening.” Professor Zorbas said.
“In addition, evidence shows that bowel cancer can be treated successfully, if detected in its early stages. Currently however, fewer than 40 per cent of bowel cancers are detected early.”
“The Government’s commitment to this important programme is vital to reducing the impact of bowel cancer in Australia.”
For more information:
Visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Visit Cancer Australia's bowel cancer information