10 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? THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY? Alistair Hamilton Principal / Agent 0413 945 599 5518 3294 WE ONLY CHARGE 1% COMMISSION SAVING YOU THOUSAND$ OF DOLLARS! SELLING ALL OVER THE COAST email@onepercentgcrealty.com.au www.onepercentgcrealty.com.au GIVING 100% SERVICE Tired of Broken Vertical Blinds? Blinds Don’t Open? Fabric Blades Faded? CALL RON 0438 724 834 No Call Out Fee or Minimum Charge SPECIAL PRICES FOR SENIORS We can fix them or replace Tracks only, New Blockout Blades or complete NEW Verticals with simple Wand Controls FREE, FIXED NO OBLIGATION QUOTES FREE, FIXED NO OBLIGATION QUOTES Need it done? Jim’s the one! 131 546 INSURANCE COVER Satisfaction Guaranteed! P Lawn Mowing P Gutter Cleaning P Rubbish Removal P General Maintenance P Irrigation Installation P New Lawn Laying P Yard Clean Ups P Tree Removal P Weed Control P Fertilizing P Pruning
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjM5MTE=