General Practice Supporting Patients in Bowel Cancer Screening

Supporting Patients in Bowel Cancer Screening 

Healthcare providers play a key role in encouraging eligible patients to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Patients are more likely to complete a screening test after discussing it with a trusted health professional. Early detection is critical, with more than 90% of bowel cancer cases successfully treated when found early.  

The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) supports healthcare providers by enabling secure access to patient screening information, submission of clinical reports, and ordering or distributing bowel screening kits. Providers can also request replacement kits and update patient screening records to ensure appropriate follow-up care.  

Find more information and resources here: https://www.ncsr.gov.au/bowel-program/for-healthcare-providers 

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients Through Bowel Cancer Screening 

General practice plays an important role in encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to take part in bowel cancer screening. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting First Nations peoples, but when detected early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. 

GPs, practice nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers can help patients understand the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which recommends screening every two years from age 45. The simple at-home test can detect early signs of bowel cancer before symptoms develop.  

By having culturally safe conversations, explaining how the test works, and supporting patients with results and follow-up care, general practices can help improve participation in screening and support better health outcomes. Encouraging bowel screening as part of routine health checks helps patients stay healthy and strong for themselves, their families and their communities.  

Find more information here: https://www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreening/first-nations-communities