A new hard-hitting campaign for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program launches this week with a stark reminder: Bowel cancer waits for no one.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) campaign returns to our screens with a new advertising campaign from Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Government, aiming to help drive more Australians to complete their free at-home bowel cancer screening test.
Currently, less than half (41.7 per cent) of Australians do their bowel cancer screening test. If participation increases to and is maintained at 60 per cent, 84,000 lives could be saved by 2040.
Backed by deep campaign research, the new creative is designed to reduce emotional and social barriers, so bowel cancer screening feels normal, easy, and safe.
Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer but if found early, more than 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully.
The free at-home test is simple, quick, and completed in the privacy of your own home.
The test detects blood in the stool which can be an early sign of bowel cancer — often before any symptoms appear.
If you are aged 50 to 74, a free test kit will be sent to your home every two years.
If you are aged 45 to 49, you can request your first free kit at ncsr.gov.au/bowel test or by calling 1800 627 701.
If you have any symptoms or are unsure whether screening is right for you, speak with your GP.
For more information, visit https://www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreening
