Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer globally, making it the third-most common cancer in the country. Each year, more than 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer, with around 286 new cases reported weekly. It is the second deadliest cancer in Australia after lung cancer.
Most bowel cancers start as polyps – small growths that can form in the large bowel – and these may become cancerous over time. Thankfully, polyps are easily detectable through bowel screenings and, when identified early, they can typically be treated successfully.
Bowel cancer screening kits are available for free through the National Bowel Screening Program. They are also available for purchase at your local community pharmacy.
If you have any of these symptoms, please discuss them with your doctor immediately.
If you do not have these symptoms but are aged 45 to 74 it is recommended that you take a bowel screening test. The bowel cancer screening kits are designed for people with no symptoms of bowel cancer. This is because bowel cancer can develop without you noticing the early signs.
It is recommended that you take the at-home test every two years, even if you are fit and healthy.
Australia's ageing population increases the risk of bowel cancer, with 1 in 13 people diagnosed with this disease by the age of 85.
Despite the alarming figures, bowel cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if detected early. Approximately 90% of cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed in time.
Bowel cancer screening aims to detect early signs in healthy individuals who may not yet show symptoms. Early detection through screening allows for timely treatment, significantly increasing the chances of a successful outcome.
Statistics highlight that if bowel cancer is detected before spreading beyond the bowel, there is a 90% chance of surviving at least 5 years post-diagnosis, with most patients returning to their usual lifestyle. However, since many cases are diagnosed at a later stage, only about 69% of those diagnosed survive 5 years.
Early detection through accessible screening can save lives.
Your community pharmacy can discuss bowel health with you and also give more details about the bowel cancer screening kits available.
Get informed, get tested – your community pharmacy offers easy, private HIV testing access and guidance.
Keep your blood clotting levels in check with convenient INR testing services at your community pharmacy.
Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is crucial for good health, and your community pharmacy can help.
Your pharmacist is here to help with skin health checks, guidance and advice for early skin cancer detection.
Your local community pharmacy is your go-to destination for everyday health needs. From coughs and colds to travel health and mobility care, your community pharmacists can do more for you with expert advice and effective treatments to help you stay healthy and active. Explore our range of services to keep your family well every day.
Your community pharmacist can do more for you with a wide range of vaccines available, from flu and COVID-19 to essential travel immunizations. Visit your local pharmacy to stay healthy, protected, and up-to-date with your vaccinations.
Your community pharmacist is here to help you care for your skin, from managing common conditions like school sores, eczema, and acne to offering guidance on wound care, shingles, and sun protection. Visit your local community pharmacy for expert advice and effective solutions to keep your skin healthy every day.
Community pharmacists are enhancing women’s health by providing comprehensive support at every stage – from conception and contraception to bone health and beyond.
Your community pharmacist is here to help with harm reduction and dependency, offering support and resources including needle and syringe services, opioid dependency treatment, quit smoking services, and naloxone.
Get expert support with your medications through comprehensive reviews and management services provided by your community pharmacist. From home medicine reviews and MedsCheck consultations to dose administration aids and staged supply, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Get the support you need from your community pharmacist to manage chronic conditions. With expert advice, personalised medication management and tailored health services, community pharmacies empower you to take control of ongoing health challenges and improve your quality of life.
Take control of your health with convenient testing and screening services at your community pharmacy. From regular monitoring to early detection, these essential services help identify potential health risks and support proactive care. Your pharmacist is here to guide you in staying informed and making health-conscious decisions for a healthier future.
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