6 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? The Mudgeeraba Showgrounds will explode with excitement as the 2025 Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show celebrates the community and 95 years of making memories – June 28 and 29, 2025 - and tickets are on sale now. There is so much for the entire family to see and do at this historic and iconic Gold Coast event with a full equestrian program, a two-day woodchop program, pony rides, baby animal farm, rides, showbags, show food, arts and crafts, Lego and wood turning. Take a dive into agriculture as the Mudgeeraba Show also hosts a full program of poultry, cattle, miniature goats and sheep competitions. Don’t miss the Pig Racing, the Walkabout Working Dog displays, petting zoo and pony rides. The Official Opening Ceremony is on Saturday June 28 at 12.45pm followed by the Grand Parade, the popular Hinterland Toyota Young Farmers Challenge, Horse Vs Motorbike, the incredible FMX KAOS Freestyle performances and the ultimate Saturday night Fireworks “Fire and Light Ingnite Mudgeeraba” Spectacular thanks to Skyridge. There will be incredible entertainment on the Main Stage, delicious food, bars, rides and of course, the best 2025 showbags! Entries are open for Arts and Crafts and the Pavilion will be bursting with arts and crafts entries spanning homebrew to honey, fine arts to photography and decorated cakes to Lego! The Mudgeeraba Show Society are proud to partner with TAFE QLD Cookery and tickets are available for a scrumptious ‘Farmer’s Feast’ three course luncheon in the Equestrian Ring Marquee. The 95th Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show will be one not to miss. For more information, head to https://www.mudgeerabashow.org.au 2025 Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show is back ...
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