Every two years, Aussies aged 45-74 can do a free bowel screening test, with the kit more efficient than ever by arriving in the mail.

It’s simple and can catch cancer before it becomes a big deal.

 

Let’s talk some sh*t – because bowel screening can save your life.

But why are some of us ghosting the kit?

 

Our research discovered that some in our LGBTQ+ community aren’t using their kit – even when it’s sitting right there on the kitchen counter.

2 in 3 respondents who received their bowel screening kit in the past 2 years have never used it.

The good news? The other 1 in 3 respondents who received a bowel screening kit in the past 2 years have used it and returned a poo sample for testing —go you!

But overall, we can do better, because early detection = better health outcomes.

 

Over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early.

And no, you don’t need symptoms to get tested, your poo actually holds a secret.

Small amounts of blood in poo (unseen to the naked eye) can signal early-stage bowel cancer. Screening picks this up and determines if further investigation is needed.

We know that age is a major risk factor for bowel cancer.

Yep, even if you’re a kale-loving, gym-going health guru – screening is still for you! 🫵

 

Bowel cancer screening can be awkward…but it’s always worth it

We know some of our readers may have reservations, and we want to make screening easier for you.

 

Let’s address some concerns:

 

“It’s not a priority / I’m not at risk”

You don’t receive the kit for no reason. Everyone has a degree of bowel cancer risk, so screening isn’t optional – it’s essential.

With screening, you can potentially stop pre-cancer from advancing into bowel cancer.

Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Plus, the test is quicker than waiting for your coffee order.

All it takes to kick cancer’s ass is a few minutes of your day with the test kit!

 

“It’s gross and awkward”

We get it, but regular screening significantly improves survival rates.

Think of it this way – this tiny test can save your life. That’s powerful and something we can get used to.

The kit is easy as 123! Learn how to use your kit with this video tutorial.

Wanna know more about bowel cancer symptoms to look out for? Check out our blog here.

 

“I don’t want to touch my poo!”

Don’t worry, you won’t! You’re just taking a tiny poo sample the size of a rice grain on the swab.

(Credit: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care)

Just make sure to wash your hands after you finish your business, collect your samples, and flush.

 

“Store poo samples in my fridge? You’re joking…”

Comedic right? It’s totally not what you’d usually put in your fridge.

The sample collection tube is airtight and sanitary. On top of that, you then put the sample tube into a zip lock bag.

The process is hygienic from start to finish!

 

“I lose or misplace the kit”

Let’s try something: the next time you receive your kit in the mail, put it on your bathroom counter.

Set an immediate reminder to prepare the kit when you feel your next poo is coming.

The sooner you get it done after it arrives in the mail, the less likely you’ll forget about doing your kit!

 

“I’m worried if my results come back positive”

Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but not in this case!

If found early, over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.

So, screen, screen, screen.

If something’s up, dealing with it earlier rather than later is the way to go.

If everything is clear, then peace of mind until your next test in two years!

At the end of the day, knowing about your health and status is always better than not knowing.

 

Feeling uncomfortable talking to your doctor about bowel cancer screening?

 

We know medical appointments can be tricky for some of us, especially our trans, queer, and non-binary communities.

It can take some experience to get used to talking about your body in clinical spaces.

Next time you see a doctor let’s try some tips to ease the experience:

• Logging some pre-visit notes when you book your appointment in person, online, or over the phone e.g. pronouns, the topic, and any concerns.
• You don’t have to cover everything in one go; you can book multiple appointments for separate concerns.
• Bring a support person like a trusted friend, partner, or family member.
• Find an LGBTQ+ friendly doctor via TransHub or the NSW Specialist Trans and Gender Diverse Health Service.

 

You can prepare some lines like in the scene below:

You:

“Hi, just letting you know I go by [Name] and use [pronouns].

Doctor:

“Thanks for letting me know, I’ll make note of that.”

You:

“I’ve received my bowel screening kit, but I’m not sure about bowel screening, how to use the kit, or if it even applies to me. And sometimes screenings feel a bit dysphoric, but I want to know I’m taking care of my health. Can we talk about bowel screening further?”

Doctor:

“Of course, let’s walk through it together.”

For more trans health info, visit My Health — TransHub.

 

Doing your bowel screening every two years is best for both your health and peace of mind.

The fact we can receive a home screening kit is incredible and by doing it we can drastically reduce the rate of bowel cancer in Australia.

Don’t let a bit of awkwardness stop you from preventing cancer, preserving your health, and protecting our communities.

And lastly, tell your mates:

“Don’t sit on it. Do your bit. Do the kit.” 🧻

 

Over 45 and want to start screening?

If you are 45-49 years old, you can request your free bowel screening kit by mail.

If you are over 50 years old and eligible, your bowel screening kit will automatically be sent to you by mail.

For any kit requests and enquiries, call the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701 or use the online order form.

 

For more resources, visit:

Free Bowel Cancer Screening Test Kit – Cancer Institute NSW