FEWER than half of Mildura residents are getting checked for Australia’s second biggest cause of cancer deaths, despite a high rate of successful treatment if detected early.
Bowel cancer screening rates in Mildura sit at only 41.7 per cent, lower than the state-wide screening rate of 44.6 per cent.
The findings have prompted Cancer Council Victoria to partner with three pharmacies in Mildura to increase participation rates in the National Bowel Screening Program, to protect more of the community against bowel cancer.
The low screening rates in Mildura come despite the program providing adults aged between 50 and 74 with a free bowel cancer screening test in the mail every two years.
Mildura pharmacists dispense life-saving bowel cancer screening advice and more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early.
In an effort to increase screening in Mildura, trained staff and pharmacists from the three Mildura pharmacies aim to spark meaningful discussions with customers and will help people re-order tests if required.
Chemist Warehouse at Mildura Central, Mildura Direct Chemist Outlet and My Chemist Mildura have partnered with Cancer Council Victoria in an effort to raise screening rates in the region to 60 per cent.
My Chemist Mildura proprietor Lee-Ching Tan said the store decided to be part of the project to support the Mildura community because, in the wake of the pandemic, locals found comfort in having another health care professional to speak to.
Chemist Warehouse Mildura Central Shopping Centre senior pharmacist Rose Vuong said their pharmacy’s staff would be on hand to offer support during the project and staff were looking forward to having conversations about bowel cancer with the Mildura community.
Mildura Direct Chemist Outlet retail manager Olivia Lin said the store would offer visitors who were booked in for vaccinations the opportunity to learn about bowel cancer screening and help those who need to re-order a replacement test.
Cancer Council Victoria’s head of prevention Craig Sinclair said many people put off doing their bowel cancer screening test and did not realise how easy, hygienic and reassuring completing the test can be.
“Bowel cancer screening is designed to check for signs of bowel cancer in people who do not have any obvious symptoms, and we know early detection is hugely important,” Mr Sinclair said.
“Evidence shows if we can increase screening participation from its current level to 60 per cent across Victoria, we will be able to save 84,000 lives by 2040."
Residents who have misplaced or thrown away their kit, or if a kit has expired, can order a replacement kit by calling the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program information line on 1800 627 701 or completing an online form.
