It has never been more important to make sure your screening is up-to-date. If you put off or missed a cancer screening test during the pandemic, make sure you catch up. We understand you might be busy, but cancer screening could save your life.
National screening programs are available in Australia to detect breast cancer, bowel cancer and cervical cancer. So if you have received an invitation to screen, take your test today.
Cervical cancer
Women aged 25–74 will be invited to screen under the new Cervical Screening Program. Screening should be repeated every 5 years. If you are overdue for an appointment, or haven’t had a test since November 2017, now is the time to book one with your GP.
Bowel cancer
People aged 50–74 will be sent a free home test kit by the Australian Government every two years.
The bowel cancer screening test is quick, simple, and completed at home in four easy steps.
Breast cancer
Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50—74 and should be repeated every two years. Women aged 40–49 and over 74 are also eligible.
These programs are available free of charge. The aim of screening programs is to pick up very early cancers in healthy individuals, who do not have symptoms, or in some cases to prevent cancer.
If you are eligible for a screening test and have received an invitation to screen or have received a free home test kit, now is the time to tick cancer screening off your list.
Early detection
Some cancers can be detected at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Tests have been developed that can detect these cancers well before any symptoms are present.
Tests are currently available through national population-based screening programs for breast cancer, cervical cancer and bowel cancer. These tests are provided free of charge for people who are eligible.
It is also a good idea to get to know your own body. If you notice any changes, such as a lump in your breast or a spot growing on your skin, see your doctor.
General advice
Treatment can be more effective when cancer is found early. Keep an eye out for any unusual changes to your body, such as:
- lumpiness or a thickened area in your breasts, any changes in the shape or colour of your breasts, unusual nipple discharge, a nipple that turns inwards (if it hasn't always been that way) or any unusual pain
- a lump in the neck, armpit or anywhere else in the body
- sores or ulcers that don't heal
- coughs or hoarseness that won't go away or coughing up blood
- changes in toilet habits that last more than two weeks, blood in a bowel motion
- new moles or skin spots, or ones that have changed shape, size or colour, or that bleed
- unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
- unexplained weight loss.
