The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) (external site) aims to reduce illness and death from bowel cancer through regular screening to support early detection.

If detected early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers 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 opt into the bowel program by requesting their first free bowel screening test kit be mailed to them
• Eligible people aged 50 to 74 automatically receive a bowel screening test kit in the mail every 2 years

You may also speak with your doctor or health care professional about obtaining a kit.

If you have any concerns about bowel cancer, or if you have bowel cancer symptoms (external site), contact your GP straight away.