More Australians will be able to access life-saving bowel cancer screening thanks to a $38.8M commitment in the Federal Budget.
The pledge will see funding for bowel cancer screening continue and the age for free screening lowered from 50 to 45.
Member for Dobell Emma McBride said more than 10,000 people aged 45 to 49 in her electorate will now be eligible for the National Bowel Cancer Screening program, and across Australia an additional 1.6 million people will be eligible.
“The changes will make it possible for even more Australians to access life-saving bowel cancer screening,” she said.
“I encourage anyone aged 45 to 49 on the Central Coast to request a free bowel cancer screening kit from July 1.
“This investment is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s investment in building a stronger Medicare.”
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia and often develops without any symptoms.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program reduces illness and death from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease using a free, simple test that can be done at home.
If found early over 90 per centt of bowel cancers can be treated successfully.
The changes announced in the Federal Budget will begin on July 1 and will allow people aged 45 to 49 to request a free bowel cancer screening kit every two years.
People aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit be mailed to them by visiting www.health.gov.au/nbcsp
People aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every two years.