Enough buts about bowel cancer screening

June 3, 2010

Cancer Council Queensland has warned that significant numbers of Queenslanders could be at risk of a late diagnosis of bowel cancer if the Federal Government does not fund a comprehensive national bowel cancer screening program.

Over 4,000 Australians and nearly 900 Queenslanders die from bowel cancer each year.

Cancer Council Queensland’s Community Services Co-ordinator, Rachel Hull, says the number of Queenslanders diagnosed with bowel cancer is increasing, calling for a Federally funded program of population-wide two-yearly screening for those aged over 50.

“It is concerning and disappointing that the Federal Government failed to allocate funding for the program in this year’s budget.

“Without a population-wide program, people will continue to die from a disease that can be treated effectively if it is detected early,” Ms Hull said.

Current funding for the screening program ends at the end of 2010.

Maureen Barnes was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago, at age 55, after receiving the screening program kit in the mail.

“When I got the screening kit in the mail I knew nothing about bowel cancer, I didn’t even know I was a high risk because of my age.

“I was healthy and fit and didn't have any symptoms. After I'd done the test and sent it in, I got a letter to say it was positive. More tests confirmed that I had bowel cancer. I was shocked.

“If it wasn't for the screening program, it may have been picked up too late to save my life. I am convinced that doing that test saved my life.”

Maureen is supporting Cancer Council Queensland’s call for a Federally funded program.

“It is sad and distressing that Australians will die unnecessarily because we don’t have the funding we need for this screening program.

“Many more people will have the chance to survive if we get behind a national screening program for this deadly disease,” Mrs Barnes said.

Cancer Council Queensland is urging people to get behind its campaign to tell Federal and State Members that Queenslanders have had enough ‘buts’ about bowel cancer.

“Early detection through a comprehensive screening program is critical to improving bowel cancer survival rates,” Ms Hull said.

“No more ‘buts’ about bowel cancer – we need Queenslanders to tell their Federal and State Members that they care, by visiting www.getbehindbowelscreening.com.au and sending an email asking our government representatives to make bowel screening available to everyone over 50 years of age.”

Bowel Cancer Awareness Week June 6-13, 2010

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. In Queensland alone, nearly 3,000 people are diagnosed each year. From the age of 50, the risk of developing bowel cancer increases significantly, with 50 per cent of bowel cancers occurring in people in the 50-69 age range.

For more information about bowel cancer, please call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit our website.