FITNESS Family InvolvemenT in the National BowEl Cancer Screening Service
Illustration representing bowel cancer screening awareness

Do you know that Australia has a bowel cancer screening program that saves lives?

If found early, 90% of bowel cancer can be successfully treated. Many people are unaware of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC) and the free screening available through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).

Why should I participate in bowel cancer screening program?

What can screening do?

Screening can detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Catching bowel cancer early means better treatment options and a higher chance of survival for you.

Is bowel cancer screening free for everyone?

The Program provided by the Australian government uses a free, simple, at-home immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) that is non-invasive and reliable. People who are 50 to 74 and hold a Medicare card (Australian citizen, permanent migrant, or Department of Veterans' Affairs customer) will receive a mailed kit every two years. People 45 to 49 can request a kit.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program at-home test kit

You can help your parents, if they are eligible, to order a free screening kit by:

  • calling on 1800 627 701;
  • filling in a form via this link
  • Asking your parents' GP to order a kit for them
Common concerns and questions

FITNESS is a research study aimed at increasing participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). The study is led by a team of researchers at the University of Melbourne who are dedicated to population health improvement. This research is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant. Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID 34055).