Bowel Cancer Australia recommends participating in screening appropriate to your personal level of risk.
The decision to be screened for people over the age of 75 should be based on an individual’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.
People aged 75 and over are not eligible to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
If you are aged over 75, talk to your GP about how to obtain a screening test.
Alternatively screening tests can be purchased from Bowel Cancer Australia online or by calling 1800 727 336.
Read more about bowel cancer screening and surveillance.
Bowel cancer doesn’t care how old you are.
5,714 Australians aged 75 and over are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, and the disease claims 3,103 lives in this age group annually.
Bowel Cancer Australia continues to advocate for expansion of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, beyond age 74 to help save more lives.
"Mine is a good news story, emphasising the importance of early detection of bowel cancer. I was told on 8 August 2018 that I had an early-stage, lower-bowel cancer. I could not believe it. All previous bowel tests had been OK. Following bowel cancer surgery and stoma reversal, I am progressing well. I’m now almost back to normal and my bowel function just about 100%. My advice is to please take bowel cancer screening seriously. For males, for females, for young and old. It can save your life. Ask your GP about screening and harass your friends about the importance of early detection." ~ John.
