Saffin urges locals to take bowel screening test

JANELLE Saffin is urging Northern Rivers residents to complete the free bowel cancer screening test, with more than 60 per cent of eligible locals still not taking part.

The Member for Lismore is backing a new advertising campaign launched by the Cancer Institute NSW as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in June.

The ‘Do the Test’ campaign aims to lift participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which currently has an uptake rate of just 39.5 per cent in the Northern NSW Local Health District.

“Bowel cancer is very treatable if caught early, so when the test arrives in the mail, don’t hesitate or put it off … just do it,” Ms Saffin said.

“I encourage everyone who is eligible to take the few minutes to do the test in the privacy of their home and return it for testing because it could save their lives.”

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, but more than 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated if detected early.

The free screening kit is mailed to eligible people aged 50 to 74. Those aged 45 to 49 can request a test through the program.

Ms Saffin said people who had completed the test previously were almost three times more likely than first-time invitees to do it again.

The Cancer Institute’s campaign is part of a broader push to increase screening rates and support people through their treatment pathway in the event of a positive result.

The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, but anyone experiencing symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, bleeding, fatigue, anaemia or unexplained weight loss should see their GP.

A healthy diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the risk.

For more information or to request a test kit, visit the Cancer Institute NSW website.