5 Free bowel screening now available from age 45 The eligible starting age for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has recently been lowered to 45, as recommended in the latest national screening guidelines for colorectal cancer. This means that people aged between 45 and 74 can now participate in the national program: • 45-49 year olds can join the program by requesting their first bowel screening test kit. • 50-74 year olds will continue to receive a bowel screening test kit in the mail, when they are due to screen. The free bowel screening test kits are completed at home and can help find early changes in the bowel, sometimes years before cancer develops or symptoms appear. Bowel cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when it is found early. To request a free initial or replacement test kit, fill out the webform at ncsr.gov.au/boweltest or phone 1800 627 701. The test kits are sent to the postal address registered with Medicare or DVA, so it is important to keep this address up to date.
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