Perth, July 31: Perth locals will get the chance to learn about free, lifesaving bowel cancer screening tomorrow, as the Catch It Early Cafe rolls into the Perth Supercars event from 7.30am to 4.30pm on 1 August.
The pop-up is part of a national push to lift bowel cancer screening participation, with Western Australia currently sitting at just 43.1 per cent — behind the national target of 60 per cent needed to save an estimated 84,000 Australian lives by 2040.
Bowel cancer is Australia’s second leading cause of cancer death, claiming more than 5,000 lives each year — around 100 each week. When caught early, more than 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated.
The eligible starting age for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program was lowered from 50 to 45 on 1 July2024, marking a major expansion of access as the program approaches its 20th anniversary.
Australians aged 45 to 49 must request their first free kit to take part, while those aged 50 to 74 are automatically mailed a free kit every two years.
Perth’s Catch It Early Cafe activation is one of several WA events running this week as part of the Bowel Cancer Waits for No One campaign, a partnership between the Australian Government and Cancer Council Australia. The campaign also includes the “Loo Post,” an interactive walk-through installation that has been touring the country.
Since the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program began 20 years ago, it has detected more than 17,000 bowel cancer cases. Evidence shows people diagnosed through the program have a 40 per cent lower risk of dying from the disease.
Cancer Council Australia CEO Jacinta Reddan said the campaign aims to remove barriers to screening and encourage eligible Australians to take action.
“Many people are aware of the importance of bowel cancer screening, however they put it off or life gets in the way. The reality is the test is simple, quick and can be completed at home in just a few minutes.
“We encourage every eligible Australian to do their bowel cancer screening test as soon as it arrives. We know the earlier a cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcome. So if your test is sitting at home, don’t wait, test now. You can give yourself peace of mind by putting your health first.
Associate Professor of Colorectal Surgery and Colorectal Surgical Oncologist, Tarik Sammour, said he hopes the campaign will help remove stigma and encourage more people to screen regularly.
“As a colorectal surgeon, I see the harsh reality of bowel cancer—it’s Australia’s second deadliest cancer. But the good news is it doesn’t have to be, with over 90 per cent of cases able to be successfully treated if detected early. Start screening from age 45 and do it every 2 years is the message I want communities to hear right now,” Associate Professor Sammour explains.
“This is why public events like these are so impactful. By normalising screening and stripping away the medical jargon, we can remove stigma and show people how quick and easy it is to do the at-home test. If you are aged 45 to 74 you should be completing the test every 2 years. It gives you a 40 per cent lower risk of dying from the disease—please do it!”
Participation in the screening program has edged up to just 42 per cent nationally in the 2023–2024 period. The latest AIHW figures show a stark divide across states and territories:
People aged 45 to 74 can check their eligibility, learn more, or request their free kit by visiting www.ncsr.gov.au/boweltest or phoning 1800 627 701.
WA events this and next week:
1 August – Perth Supercars, Catch It Early Cafe, 7.30am–4.30pm
2 August – Community event at Indian Sikh Gurdwara, 280 Shreeve Road, Canning Vale, 9.30–11.30am
3 August – Catch It Early Cafe at Blue Butter Cafe, The Vale Shopping Centre, Canning Vale, 10.30am–12pm
4 August – Catch It Early Cafe at Beached Barrel, 26 Foreshore Drive, Geraldton, 8–10am
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