Screening involves testing people who do not have obvious symptoms of disease. Simple screening tests look for particular changes and early signs of cancer before it has developed or before any symptoms emerge. 

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. Eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 are mailed a free test done at home every 2 years. Learn about the program and how to do the test. 

For more information about bowel cancer screening in Australia, visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website or call the National Cancer Screening Register on  1800 627 701  to: 

• find out when you'll receive your free bowel cancer screening test in the mail 
• update your address and contact details 
• opt out or delay receiving your kit 
• ask for a replacement kit. 

You can call Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm, except national public holidays.