Screen to save lives

MORE than 80,000 lives would be saved by 2040 if participation in the national bowel cancer screening program increased by 20 per cent.

A new study estimated the benefits and cost-effectiveness of Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening program between 2015-2040. Only around 40 per cent of those who are eligible for bowel screening participate in the program. At that level, an estimated 59,000 deaths will be prevented by 2040 but an additional 24,800 deaths could be averted if participation rose to 60 per cent.