As of 1 July 2008, all Australians turning 50, 55 or 65 years of age between 2008 and 2010, who hold a Medicare card or DVA gold card will be eligible for the Program.
Research shows that the risk of developing bowel cancer rises significantly from the age of 50. It is important that the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is introduced slowly to provide time to ensure that health services, such as colonoscopy services, are able to meet the increased demand. That is why at this stage only those turning 50, 55 or 65 years of age are being invited to be screened. The Program will be evaluated prior to the 2011 Federal Budget to determine whether the Program is extended, and how best to do this.
If eligible, you will be sent an invitation pack from the Australian Government to your current Medicare-registered address. The pack contains: an invitation letter, a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit with instructions, an information booklet and a Participant Details Form. All eligible people who turn 50, 55 or 65 years of age between 2008 and 2010 within Queensland will be invited to participate in the Program sometime before 2011.
To send invitations to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, Medicare Australia selected eligible people turning 50, 55 or 65 years of age 2008 and 2010 from either Medicare enrolment records or the Department of Veterans' Affairs enrolment file as authorised by a service arrangement under subsection 7(2) of the Medicare Australia Act 1973.
Your personal information and test results will be kept private and confidential. Information kept on the Register is protected by law (the Privacy Act 1988), and your personal details will only be released to another person or organisation with your consent, or if required or authorised by law.
If you think you have symptoms you should consult your doctor for clinical diagnosis and advice as soon as possible.
If you have received an invitation to participate in the Program but:
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