Posted on Apr 22, 2020

“I would never have known, I had no symptoms”

Cancer Council WA is calling for more Western Australians to complete the free life-saving bowel screening test, with new figures showing only four in 10 eligible Australians are participating in Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer. Many people don’t realise it kills more Australians each year than breast, prostate or skin cancer. When you receive the test don’t put it in the cupboard and forget about it - delaying can easily become ignoring, forgetting and ultimately not doing.

The test is quick, simple and you can complete it in the comfort of your own home.

Andrew McCann, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2017, said he owes his life to the test kit.

“When I first got a kit I nearly didn’t do it but my wife urged me to participate and I am so glad I did,” Mr McCann said.

“I needed to have a follow up colonoscopy and in 2017 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I would never have known, I had no symptoms at the time. The kit saved my life.”

Over 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if caught in the early stages.

To find out more about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program go to www.cancerscreening.gov.au or call 1800 118 868 for more information.