TAKE THE TEST... GP Dr Preeya Alexander says detecting bowel cancer early through screening usually means it is easier to treat, with better outcomes.
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THE Get behind it! community roadshow is bringing its life-saving message to South Australia, with the community roadshow set to stop in Kadina at the Copper Coast Show, this Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17.
The community event is part of the Australian Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program — a free program for Australians aged 45 to 74.
It aims to lift screening rates and reduce deaths from bowel cancer, Australia’s second-biggest cancer killer.
Currently, only about 40 per cent of eligible Australians take part in the program.
Yet, if detected early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.
Visitors to the Copper Coast Show can meet the Get behind it! team, pick up free giveaways, take home easy-to-understand health information, and order a first or replacement bowel screening kit.
Well-known Australians including Shane Crawford, Matthew Richardson, Wayne Schwass, Julie Goodwin, Andrew Jarman and Dr Preeya Alexander are supporting the campaign.
Each is encouraging Australians to take advantage of the quick, simple, and free test that can save lives.
Dr Preeya Alexander, program expert for the Get behind it! community roadshow, says screening is one of the most effective tools for detecting bowel cancer early.
“Through the roadshow, we’re taking the message directly to communities and breaking down barriers to participation,” Dr Preeya Alexander says.
“As a GP, I can’t stress enough how critical bowel cancer screening is — it’s a small step that can lead to life-saving results.”
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends a free at-home test every two years to eligible Australians aged 50 to 74. Recently, the age limit has lowered to 45, meaning people aged 45 to 49 can now order their first kit and join the program by visiting the program’s website, health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program.
Yorke Peninsula locals are encouraged to drop by the roadshow during the Copper Coast Show and “get behind it” by taking the free bowel screening test.
