Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops from the inner lining of the bowel and is usually preceded by growths called polyps, which may become invasive cancer if undetected. Depending on where the cancer begins, bowel cancer may be called colon or rectal cancer.

It is estimated that 15,542 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2024. The average age at diagnosis is 69 years old.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and it is estimated that one in 20 people will be diagnosed by the time they are 85.

About 90 per cent of bowel cancers are adenocarcinomas, which start in the glandular tissues lining the bowel. Other less common types of cancer can also affect the bowel, including lymphomas and neuroendocrine tumours.

Cancer can also start in the small bowel but this is a rare cancer.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free, simple test for eligible Australians to reduce illness and death from bowel cancer.

This 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 45 to 74 can do a free test at home every 2 years.

• Eligible people aged 45 to 49 can request their first free bowel cancer screening kit be mailed to them. Use the form below.
• Eligible people aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every 2 years. Use this form if you didn’t receive your last kit or if it was damaged, misplaced, or expired.

Not sure if you should request a kit? Call the Contact Centre on 1800 627 701.

Digital Participant Details Form – https://www.ncsr.gov.au/information-for-participants/order-a-replacement-bowel-test-kit/