Breast Cancer Screening

• What it is for: Breast cancer screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage.
  
  
• Why we do it: Detecting breast cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
  
  
• How we do it: The primary screening method is a mammogram, which is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. Alongside mammograms, it is recommended that individuals perform monthly breast self-examinations.
  
  
• When we do it (population groups): In Australia, the national screening program, BreastScreen, invites individuals aged 50-74 for a free mammogram every two years. Individuals aged 40-49 and over 75 can also have a free mammogram but do not receive an invitation. These individuals can self-refer to BreastScreen. You do not need a referral from your GP to access screening. If you are concerned regarding a change in your breasts you should see your GP. 
  
  

Bowel Cancer Screening

• What it is for: Bowel cancer screening is designed to detect bowel cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the bowel.
  
  
• Why we do it: Finding bowel cancer early, before symptoms develop, means treatment is often more effective.
  
  
• How we do it: The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program uses a free, simple test performed at home called a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). This test looks for tiny traces of blood in your stool, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer or polyps.
  
  
• When we do it (population groups): It is now recommended to commence screening at 45. The Australian Government sends a free bowel cancer screening kit every two years to eligible individuals aged 50 to 74. If you are aged 45-49, you will need to request a kit from the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR). 
  
  

Cervical Screening Test (CST)

• What it is for: The Cervical Screening Test (CST) is designed to detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers. The test can identify HPV infection early, before it causes changes that could lead to cancer.
  
  
• Why we do it: Regular cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer from developing by detecting and treating HPV infections or abnormal cell changes early.
  
  
• How we do it: The CST is a simple and quick test where a sample of cells is taken from the cervix. You can book in with your GP for a clinician-collect CST or complete a self-collect CST during your appointment.
  
  
• When we do it (population groups): The CST is recommended every five years for people aged 25-74 with a cervix who have ever been sexually active. You can find out more from NCSR
  
  

Lung Cancer Screening

• What it is for: The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) aims to reduce deaths from lung cancer through early detection.
  
  
• Why we do it: Lung cancer is Australia’s leading cause of cancer death. Detecting lung cancer early, before symptoms appear, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
  
  
• How we do it: Your first step is to discuss the program with your GP to assess eligibility and obtain a referral. The screening then involves a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan every two years. These scans are bulk-billed under the NLCSP, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs for the scan itself.
  
  
• When we do it (population groups): Individuals are eligible for the program if they are aged between 50-70 years, show no signs or symptoms suggesting they may have lung cancer, currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years, and have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years. You can find out more from NCSR
  
  

Prostate Cancer Screening

• What it is for: Prostate cancer screening involves a blood test to look for signs of prostate cancer.
  
  
• Why we do it: Early detection can be beneficial for some prostate cancers, but it’s also important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of screening with your doctor as there can be risks of over-diagnosis and over-treatment for slow-growing cancers.
  
  
• How we do it: The main screening test is a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.
  
  
• When we do it (population groups): There is no organised national screening program for prostate cancer in Australia. Discussions about prostate cancer screening should be individualised between an individual and their GP, usually starting from around age 50, or earlier if there is a family history of prostate cancer.