Bowel cancer screening participation rates among people aged 50-74 years in Sydney North Health Network region (41.1%) are higher than the NSW rate (39.5%). Rates among men aged 50-74 years (37.6%) remain lower compared to females from the same age group (41.3%). (2019 RBCO)

Home test kit screen-detected bowel cancers much less likely to cause death than bowel cancers diagnosed outside the program.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to continue to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by more frequently detecting pre-cancerous changes or early-stage disease. It invites eligible people starting at age 50 and continuing to age 74 (without symptoms) to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home.

The National Cancer Screening Register issues invitation kits, reminder letters and will store bowel cancer screening test results when a person has participated in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Patients not eligible for a free test under the national screening program, can still be tested.

GPs can request a FOBT, which is eligible for a Medicare rebate. Most pathology practices bulk bill for this test.

• Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal cancer
• Bowel Screening HealthPathways
• The National Bowel Screening Program
• Managing bowel screening for your patients

• National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) Health Professional resources

• Indigenous bowel screening – resources

• Bowel screening Webinar for Nurses in general practice

• More resources here

Results data entry instructions

• MD
• BP

Data extraction

• CAT4 Recipies
  • Identify eligible patients never screened for (breast and) bowel cancer
  • Identify under-screened population for bowel cancer (those with a higher risk)