Bowel Cancer Screening: Urgent Call for Early Detection in Victoria

In a pressing public health announcement, Cancer Council Victoria has urged Australians aged 45 to 74 to partake in the free bowel screening program, emphasizing the importance of early detection to combat rising colorectal cancer rates. A recent study from Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation (IHT) revealed that from 2009 to 2022, over 24,000 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer presented to emergency departments, with 21% exhibiting symptoms directly related to the disease. This alarming statistic underscores a critical need for improved cancer screening and awareness, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Dr. Anita Lal, Senior Research Fellow at Deakin Health Economics and co-author of the study, highlighted that individuals residing in regional areas and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected, often encountering barriers such as financial stress and limited access to healthcare services. “These communities often face real challenges that delay diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Lal stated. “Our findings emphasize the need for targeted screening initiatives and enhanced primary care services.”

Bowel cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer in Australia and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2023, there were 3,807 new diagnoses in Victoria, with 1,348 fatalities attributed to the disease. This stark reality has prompted Cancer Council Victoria to take action, as a new analysis indicated that one in three Victorians aged 25 to 74 delayed cancer screening in 2023, primarily due to a perception that their symptoms were not urgent. Only 40% reported consulting a general practitioner for what they considered significant symptoms.

Kate Broun, head of screening, early detection, and immunisation at Cancer Council Victoria, stressed the significance of screening, stating, “Too many Victorians are missing out on early detection, often waiting for symptoms or an emergency to take action.” The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program facilitates free screening tests biannually for eligible Australians, aiming to promote early detection and intervention.

Despite challenges, there have been positive trends regarding screening participation. The 2025 monitoring report indicated an uptick in the number of participants following declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to effective public health messaging and awareness campaigns. “This is an encouraging sign of recovery,” Broun remarked, reflecting on the positive impacts of sustained communication efforts on cancer screening participation.

As the incidence of bowel cancer continues to rise, public health officials advocate for a proactive approach to health management. It is critical for individuals to be informed about bowel cancer symptoms and to seek medical advice if they notice any unusual changes in their health. For more information on bowel screening and available resources, individuals are encouraged to visit the Cancer Council Victoria’s official website at cancervic.org.au/bowel.