Bowel cancer screening rate drops for first time in 10 years
Bulk ordered screening kits in general practice will help, says Professor Jon Emery.
Bowel cancer screening participation has gone backwards for the first time since 2014, falling to 41% of eligible patients in the most recent reporting period.
The screening rate among patients aged 50-74 fell by three percentage points between 2019/20 and 2020/21, according to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
GP and cancer researcher Professor Jon Emery said the COVID-19 pandemic had likely contributed to lower screening rates.
“We need to get a target of at least 60% participation rate — that has been the target for some time,” he added.
