Have you seen the latest Cancer Council television ads?
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The Get Behind Bowel Screening campaign was launched in 2009 in response to the Federal Government's measured implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Australia. Around 80 Australians die each week from the disease. Bowel cancer can be treated successfully if detected in its early stages. Currently less than 40% of bowel cancers are detected early.
Funding for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) is set to continue, however it will only be available for people who are turning 50, 55 or 65 between June 2011 and December 2014.
The Get Behind campaign message is simple:
"Fully implemented, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is the most effective measure available to the Australian government for immediately reducing bowel cancer death in Australia. It has the potential to save more than 30 lives a week."
Needless to say, the Cancer Council are campaigning for funding to encompass a National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for all Australians over the age of 50 years. Until that time, the NBCSP is providing a valuable screening service for many older Australians.
The Role of GPs in the NBCSP
General practitioners can be involved in the NBCSP by:
- Encouraging participation in the program for eligible patients
- Investigating people with positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Notifying the program register when a patient is referred due to a positive FOBT
- Notifying the colonoscopist to ensure they advise
the NBCSP of colonoscopy results.
For more information about eligibility criteria and the important role GPs have in implementing the NBCSP, go to the Medicare webpage here:
To support the Get Behind Campaign go to
Or visit the Cancer Council Australia
