Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon or rectum; it may also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is located.
Bowel cancer screening is for people who do not already have bowel cancer, symptoms of bowel cancer, or any reason to have a high risk of bowel cancer.
Patient-centred care is healthcare that is respectful of, and responsive to, the preferences, needs and values of patients and consumers.
Bowel Cancer Australia provides essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support, as well as a national Peer-to-Peer Support Network and Buddy Program.
Bowel Cancer Australia funds research that has the potential to improve survival and/or help build a path toward a cure and integrates published research into our awareness, advocacy, and support strategies.
Bowel Cancer Australia relies upon donations and the support of hard working and enthusiastic fundraisers across the country to continue our life saving work. We raise funds to continue our life-saving work and inspire others to do the same, so everyone affected by bowel cancer can live their best life.
Time between positive screen and colonoscopy of people aged aged 50-74. 90th percentile (in days).
According to the latest AIHW National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) Monitoring Report, in 2022 only 13.5% of participants were recorded as having received a colonoscopy within the recommended 30-day timeframe, down from 15.6% in 2021.
Participants waited between 133 days and 197 days, depending on where they lived (2021: 119-235 days).
Delays in diagnosis and treatment of people with early-stage bowel cancer can lead to stage migration, when tumours progress from being curable by surgery (or radiotherapy) with near normal life expectancy to being incurable, with very limited life expectancy.
Bowel Cancer Australia therefore advocates for a colonoscopy wait-time and performance guarantee to minimise patient stress and anxiety and to improve outcomes:
View our advocacy priorities
Every person’s feedback about their colonoscopy experience is unique and valuable. Help us ensure the patient voice is heard, so that future colonoscopy care reflects what patients want and need.