Test for bowel cancer before it’s too late

A RECENT study from Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation (IHT) has prompted Cancer Council Victoria to urge people not to ignore cancer symptoms.

The latest study highlighted the concerning disparities in emergency presentations among bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, in Victoria.

Findings from the study indicated more than 24,000 colorectal cancer patients presented to emergency departments between 2009 and 2022, with 21 per cent showing colorectal cancer-related symptoms.

Deakin Health Economics at IHT Senior research fellow and co-author of the paper Dr Anita Lal said undiagnosed cancer patients presenting to emergency highlighted missed opportunities.

“We found that people living in regional and remote areas, and those from lower socioeconomic groups, were much more likely to present to emergency departments.

“These communities often face real challenges such as financial stress, fewer local health services and access issues that delay diagnosis and treatment.

“These findings emphasise the need for targeted screening initiatives, enhanced primary care and preventative services.”

For people presenting to the emergency room with bowel cancer-related symptoms, it is often an indication the disease is at a more advanced stage, making treatment more complex.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, with 3,807 Victorians diagnosed in 2023 and 1,348 people passing away from it.

A new analysis by the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at Cancer Council Victoria also found one in three Victorians between 25 and 74 delayed cancer screening in 2023.

Their reasoning for delaying was because they felt the issue was not urgent, and only two in five met with their GP for what they considered serious symptoms.

Australians aged between 45 and 74 are eligible for a free bowel screening test every two years as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Cancer Council Victoria head of screening, early detection and immunisation Kate Broun said screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs.

“Too many Victorians are missing out on early detection, often waiting for symptoms or an emergency to take action.”

There have been positive signs from the program, with the 2025 monitoring report showing an increase in the number of people participating in the screening.

“This is an encouraging sign of recovery after the declines in bowel screening we witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a reflection on the positive impact that ongoing public health messaging and communication campaigns can have on cancer screening participation,” Ms Broun said.

“For people of all ages, it’s important to be aware of bowel cancer symptoms and if you notice anything unusual, speak to a doctor or healthcare professional.”

For more information on bowel screening and bowel cancer, head to cancervic.org.au/bowel