4 Australian residents aged between 45-74 are invited to screen for bowel cancer through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. The bowel screening tests are completed at home in private and returned in the mail. Why is it important to do the test? Bowel Cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, and the second highest cause of cancer death. Around 400 Gold Coast residents are diagnosed each year. Bowel cancers found through routine screening are usually less advanced than those diagnosed at a later stage, often after symptoms appear. Most bowel cancers are treatable if detected early. How does the test work? The bowel screening test looks for tiny amounts of blood in a person’s poo, which may be a sign of changes in the bowel. If blood is found in either of the test samples, the next step is usually a diagnostic test, such as a colonoscopy, to check the bowel for any abnormalities. Most people who have blood detected in their samples will not have bowel cancer, but many will have small growths in their bowel called polyps. If polyps are found during a colonoscopy they are usually removed, which prevents them from potentially turning into a cancer at a later stage. Are the tests suitable for everyone? Bowel screening tests are intended for healthy people who have no obvious bowel symptoms (such as bleeding from the bowel, persistent changes in toilet habits, unexplained tiredness or weight loss and abdominal pain). Anyone with bowel symptoms should discuss them with their doctor as soon as possible and not wait for a screening test. How do I get a bowel screening test? The free test kits are automatically sent in the mail to eligible people aged 50-74, and people aged 45-49 can join the program by requesting their first test kit. It’s important to keep your postal address up to date with Medicare or DVA, as this is where the kits will be mailed to. If your test kit has expired, was thrown away, is damaged or never arrived, a free replacement test can be requested online at ncsr.gov.au/boweltest or by phoning 1800 627 701. Have you done your free bowel test? Dust off your hard hats and make a day of it as you imagine yourself as a landscaper, lifeguard, beach cleaner, construction worker or dune protector! Get ready to have truckloads of fun at City of Gold Coast's Monster Machinery Day – where the toys are life-size. Spread across an entire kilometre of the Broadwater Parklands’ Great and Southern Lawns, the event gives locals a chance to experience the machinery transforming and maintaining the Gold Coast. There'll be free activities on offer including live machinery demonstrations (think woodchipper), a rockclimbing wall, train rides and the all-time favourite for toddlers, the huge sand pit! Meet the hard-working heroes from our emergency services and volunteers dedicated to keeping the community safe, at the Disaster and Emergency Management Pop-Up. Get up close with emergency services vehicles and learn what to do when you are faced with severe weather and disasters. And let's not forget your favourite trucks – the delicious food trucks. 9am - 3pm Sunday, 22 June 2025 PET OF THE WEEK FOR MORE VISIT AWLQLD.COM.AU OR CALL 5509 9000 Creating a brighter future Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959 PETS OF THE MONTH Gennavieve Animal ID:39632 | Breed: Bull Arab Female | 6Y 8M | Extra Large | White & Brindle Meet Gennavieve, a charming lady with a heart full of love. Her sweet and friendly nature makes her a joy to be around. Gentle to her core, she is great at making everyone feel at ease. She would make an excellent cuddle companion! Gennavieve’s sociable personality shines through when she’s around other dogs, showing an admirable level of patience and understanding. If you have another doggie at home, please bring them in to meet her! She enjoys simple pleasures like a good belly rub or a leisurely walk around the park. Her genuine love for life is contagious, spreading happiness wherever she goes. She is ready to find her new forever family! Mishka (Ishy) Animal ID:140534 | Domestic Short Hair Female | 5Y | Medium | Tortoiseshell Hello, I’m Ishy. I’ve got a heart full of love and a spirit that craves independence. I’m a loyal companion, always ready to lend a purr or a soft paw when you need it. I’m friendly too, eager to greet you after a long day. But I also respect your space, content to explore my surroundings or curl up in a cosy corner. I’m looking for a home where I can be the only feline queen, the apple of your eye. Adopting me means gaining a steadfast friend, a confidante, a quiet companion who will stand by your side, through thick and thin. Will you be my forever human? Gennavieve, Mishka and more wonderful pets are waiting to meet you at the AWL Coombabah on Shelter Road.
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