The cancer screenings available to you right now

While we’re passionate advocates for helping you live a cancer-smart lifestyle, unfortunately, sometimes despite all the best prevention, cancer may still strike. However, your chances of survival and effective treatment are much, much higher if your cancer is detected early. It’s particularly important to be screened for cancers where you meet the risk factors e.g. family history. 

What cancer screening programs are available in Australia and how can you access them?

Bowel cancer

Around one in 20 Australians will get bowel cancer in their lifetime, and sadly, around 103 people will pass away from bowel cancer each week. Bowel cancer symptoms typically appear late, but if detected early, 90% of bowel cancers can be treated.

You have more risk of developing bowel cancer if you are:

• 50+ years old
• Have a family history of bowel cancer
• Have a personal history involving cancer of the colon, rectum, ovaries, endometrium or breast
• Have colon polyps, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or type 2 diabetes
• Have a poor diet or are in an unhealthy weight range

How do I get screened?
The screening process for bowel cancer is no longer scary or messy! In fact, a free and simple at-home test is available. The National Bowel Screening Program invites eligible people aged between 50-74 to take part in two-yearly screenings, sending an at-home test kit to your Medicare-listed address. The test - called the immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) − looks for is invisible traces of blood in your stool.

If you test positive, your GP will refer you for further tests, e.g. a colonoscopy. Even if you get a negative result, it’s important to do your tests every two years or talk to your doctor immediately if you develop bowel cancer symptoms. 

If you aren’t eligible for the free national screening program but have concerns or symptoms, speak with your GP about what testing you need.

Learn more
http://www.bowelcancer.org.au
https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer/

Breast cancer

The chance of a woman in Australia developing breast cancer is one in eight. It’s the most common cancer affecting women in Australia (besides non-melanoma skin cancer) and the second most common cancer to cause death in women, behind lung cancer. However, if found early, common forms of breast cancer generally have a good prognosis. When breast cancer is diagnosed through screening, it also reduces your chances of needing a mastectomy, which is breast removal surgery.

You have more risk of developing breast cancer if you:

• Are 50+
• Have a family history of breast cancer or the inheritence of mutations in the genes (BRCA2, BRCA1 and CHEK2)
• Were older at the time of your first childbirth
• Have had hyperplasia
• Use birth control pills
• Have experienced weight gain or are at an unhealthy weight range
• Have high breast density

How do I get screened?
Breast cancer screening takes place through a process called a mammogram, which is a low-dose breast x-ray. Even if you’re great at doing your regular breast checks, a mammogram can find cancers that are too small to feel.

All women aged 40 to 74 years have free access to the BreastScreen Australia program. Once you turn 50, you’re encouraged to have a free mammogram every two years. Simply call 13 20 50 to organise a free mammogram.

Mammograms are not recommended for women under 40, so if this is you and you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or are worried about symptoms, talk to your GP to discuss the most appropriate care.

If your mammogram returns an abnormality, you’ll be referred for further tests to identify if there’s cause for concern.

Learn more
https://www.bcna.org.au/
https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/

Prostate cancer

In 2023, prostate cancer was estimated to be the most diagnosed cancer for males in our country. Tragically, around 3,507 Australian men die of prostate cancer each year.

You're more at risk of developing prostate cancer if you:

• Are 50+ years old
• Have a father, brother or son diagnosed with prostate cancer prior to age 60
• Have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer, in particular the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations

How do I get screened?
Many men are hesitant to be screened for prostate cancer, but there’s no need to be, as a simple blood test can be the first step. This test will find your prostate specific antigen levels. A digital rectal exam is now longer recommended for men who don’t show symptoms.

If you would like to be screened via blood test, or are showing symptoms of prostate cancer, speak to your GP about next steps.

Learn more
https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer/
https://www.prostate.org.au/

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. One in 180 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Since a national screening program for cervical cancer began in 1991, the death rate for this cancer has halved. With the 2017 introduction of an improved Cervical Screening Test in place of the Pap smear test, it is expected that cervical cancer rates and deaths will decline by at least a further 20%.

You're more at risk of developing cervical cancer if you:

• Have had persistent infections of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Are a smoker

How do I get screened?
The Cervical Screening Test offers women aged 25-74 a simple screening test every five years. A GP will be able to perform this quick test, which will feel the same to you as a pap smear.

You now also have the choice to collect your own Cervical Screening Test sample under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you are eligible, your provider will give you a cotton swab, instructions and a private space such as a bathroom to self-collect your sample.

See your GP if you have any symptoms or to find out your next recommended screening date.

Learn more
https://www.cancer.org.au/cervicalscreening/

https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer.html

What will it cost me to be screened?

Ask your health care provider if they can a bulk bill you for any services, as a Medicare cardholder. Also, CBHS members with Extras or package cover may be eligible for wellness benefits on health checks and health management services. Check your benefits on our mobile app or in the Member Centre.

Note - A benefit is not payable in respect of a service that was rendered to a member if the services can be claimable from any other source.

More information

• See more cancer-smart lifestyle articles
• Contact us on 1300 654 123 to check what you’re covered for or to get a quote.

All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified Health Care Professional.