Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Around one in 23 Australians will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime.  When identified early, almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Prorgram (NBSCP)  aims to continue to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection of the disease.

The NBCSP invites eligible people (without symptoms) to screen for bowel cancer at home using a free, simple test. Screening starts at age 50 and continues to age 74.  The test, called an immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT), is used to collect samples of bowel motions, which are then analysed to detect tiny traces of blood, invisible to the naked eye. The screening test cannot diagnose bowel cancer, but the results will indicate whether a further test (usually a colonoscopy) is needed to rule out bowel cancer.

To complete your bowel cancer screen, a test kit will be sent in the mail with instructions on how to complete it. Once you’ve done the test, send the samples to the pathology laboratory in the reply paid envelope provided. The samples are processed and the result is sent to you and your doctor within 2 weeks.

More information can be found on the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website. You can also talk to your doctor if you have any questions about bowel cancer and screening.

RESOURCES

• Why is screening important
• Using the screening kits
• Bowel Cancer Australia
• Ways to reduce bowel cancer risk
• Home Test Kit instruction sheet
• ‘Screening Saves Lives’ information booklet

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian women and nine out of ten women diagnosed with it have no family history of breast cancer.  Breast screening can find breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor.  Ninety-five out of 100 women have a normal breast screening result. This means no sign of breast cancer has been found on their x-rays, however finding breast cancer early means there are more treatment options.

BreastScreen specifically targets asymptomatic  women aged between 50 and 74 years and invites them for a screening mammogram every two years. This is because the evidence of benefit is strongest in this age group. Women aged between 40 and 49 years, or 75 years and older can also have a free screening mammogram through BreastScreen services.

BreastScreen uses mammography (x-ray pictures of the breast) because this is the most effective screening test to detect breast cancer.

BreastScreen services are conveniently located throughout Australia. Gold Coast services are permanently located at Helensvale, Southport and West Burleigh. A mobile unit also visits North Tamborine, Nerang, Elanora, Robina, Beenleigh and Beaudesert annually.

Phoning 13 20 50 will connect women to their nearest BreastScreen service to make an appointment. Eligible women can now also book online by visiting the BreastScreen Queensland website, some after-hours appointments are available.. Women do not need a doctor’s referral. Women may seek interpreter assistance when booking by first phoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (13 14 50).The majority of women who have a screening mammogram will get a result of ‘no evidence of breast cancer’. Women should still continue to know the look and feel of their breasts between screening mammograms and report any changes to their GP.

Some women will be called back for more tests because the mammogram showed an abnormality. For most of these women, subsequent tests are normal and breast cancer is not found.

More information can be found on the BreastScreen Australia website. You can call BreastScreen Queensland  on 13 20 50 or make an appointment here. This information is duplicated in the section above

RESOURCES

• BreastScreen Queensland
• BreastScreen Queensland FAQs
• Cancer prevention plan for women

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Most cervical cancers occur in women who have never screened or do not screen regularly. Having regular screening tests is the best way to protect yourself. The test detects the presence of human papillomavirus  (HPV) so that it can be monitored or investigated further if needed. HPV is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in your cervix, which in rare cases can develop into cervical cancer.

You are eligible for a subsidised Cervical Screening Test if you are:

• aged between 25 and 74
• sexually active or ever have been
• a woman or person with a cervix.

It makes no difference if you:

• are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight
• have had the HPV vaccination or not
• are no longer sexually active
• have been through menopause
• have been with only one sexual partner
• have experienced traditional cutting or circumcision
• have had a baby
• are pregnant (ensure to let your health care professional know).

If you have had a full or partial hysterectomy, please check with your doctor about screening.

The Cervical Screening Test is a simple procedure to check the health of your cervix. If you have ever had a Pap test, the way the test is done will feel the same. Cervical screening is done through your doctor, nurse or health worker. It’s likely to take just a few minutes. Talk to your health care professional about your screening needs – including whether you are eligible for self collection.

Once you have had your first Cervical Screening Test, you will only need to have one every five years  if your results are normal. More information can be found on the National Cervical Screening Program website 

RESOURCES

• Frequently asked questions – cervical screening
• National Cancer Screening Register
• Patient fact sheets
• Reducing your risk of cervical cancer
• Cancer prevention plan for women
• Cancer Council Australia