Cancer Council calls on GPs to help save lives with a simple test

GPs are reminded this week that bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia, killing over 75 Australians every week. More than 90% of bowel cancers can be cured if found early.
 
Cancer Council Australia has called on GPs to support its new bowel cancer screening campaign. The campaign promotes the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which provides Australians aged 50, 55, 60 and 65 with a free faecal occult blood test in the mail. By 2020, all Australians aged 50-74 will receive the test every two years.
 
Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Ian Olver, said he hoped GPs would encourage their patients who were eligible to participate in the government program. “The faecal occult blood test picks up signs of cancer early when it is much more likely to be prevented or cured,” Professor Olver said. “Even with the current low participation rate, the program is expected to save 70,000 lives over the next 40 years. By boosting participation, thousands more lives will be saved.”
 
GPs are asked to talk to their patients about bowel cancer screening. A simple test could be a lifesaver.
 
Visit bowelcancer.org.au or call 13 11 20 for more information.