[Janelle Ward]

A five-year campaign by Bowel Cancer Australia has resulted in significant changes to bowel cancer screening.

For the first time, screening for people at average risk of developing bowel cancer is recommended every two years for people aged 45-74 (previously 50-74), along with a lowering of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) start age from 50 to 45.

People aged 40-44 (previously 45-49) are also able to request screening via their healthcare professional before receiving their first NBCSP invitation.

More than 1700 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer under the age of 50 each year and people aged 40-49 account for 56 per cent of new cases and 64 per cent of deaths in those diagnosed under 50. Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for those aged 25-44.

Recommendations to begin screening from age 45 were first introduced in the US in 2018.

Do you participate in the free government bowel cancer screening program?

[Charles Hunt]

I do not participate as I do not have a large bowel. I had it removed as I had severe Crohn’s disease. I now have an ileostomy. People with Crohn’s disease can record a false positive to the test, due to the presence of blood from internal scarring of the large bowel.

[Pat]

I wonder why the free government testing stops at 74?

[sjdeez]

Because over 74 the govt has decided you have to die of something so they don’t worry about you anymore, it’s the same for breast screening.

[Hammo]

Unfortunately your readers are correct.
It’s all about cost.
Just another case of financial Age abuse by Govt.
It’s all about money.
In Japan the elderly are respected and revered.
Not in Australia any more.
Sad actually.cheers

[KayJay]

I agree- once you reach the age of 75 the government think you’re on the way to being dead,so why spend money on all these people. Haven’t they heard, the average age for people has risen significantly since the “stop supporting at 74” was documented.
Same with vehicle rental companies- very hard to rent a car, even for day if you are over this age and impossible when you are 85.Travel insurance is still based on when the average maximum age was 75.It costs more than the rest of the cost for a months holiday overseas- even outside of the USA.
There are considerable barriers to being supported or doing things when you reach the 70’s.

[Author]

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