Who can screen with the program
From 1 July 2024, we have lowered the eligible screening age for the program from 50 to 45 years.
- People aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit.
- People aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.
Find out if the bowel screening test is right for you.
How to get your free test kit
You can request your first free kit by submitting a webform or calling 1800 627 701.
Aged 45 to 49 and want a kit?
All eligible people aged 45 to 74 can also ask their doctor about getting a kit.
Your next test kit will automatically be mailed every 2 years after your last screening test is completed.
If you are outside the age range of 45 to 74
For people outside the age range of 45 to 74, clinical guidance does not recommend a ‘one-size-fits-all’ population-scale approach to screening. Instead, clinical guidance recommends talking with your doctor about screening options. Your doctor is best placed to explain the benefits and potential harms of bowel screening in context of your individual health situation. Your doctor may recommend bowel screening available via Medicare. Bowel screening kits are also available for purchase at pharmacies or online.
Australian Government decision
As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the government announced the lowering of the eligible screening age of the program from 50 to 45. This was after carefully considering the implications for the broader health system, including the costs and flow-on effects.
Clinical practice guidelines update
In 2023, the National Health and Medical Research Council approved updates to the Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection, and management of colorectal cancer. These updates included a recommendation to lower the screening age for population bowel cancer screening from 50 to 45.
Read the updated clinical practice guidelines recommendations.