BOWEL cancer screening rates have again fallen short of targets, leading the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to call for a change in approach that leverages the expertise and accessibility of community pharmacy.

The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) Monitoring Report 2025 showed a marginal increase in participation to 41.7%, up from 40% in 2022 and 40.9% in 2021; however it is still well below the target rate of 55%.

Between 01 Jan 2022 and 31 Dec 2023, 6.28 million Australians aged 50-74 were invited to participate in the program, yet nearly six in 10 did not return their free bowel cancer screening test.

“The current approach isn’t working,” Professor Trent Twomey, National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia said.

“Australia needs to make the most of all its health professionals to increase early screening – community pharmacists know their community and their patients.

“They already play a key role in supporting patient health, including sensitive conversations, and are well placed to help educate patients on the ease, reliability and importance of these life-saving tests.”

Prof Twomey pointed out that community pharmacies also have a strong cold chain, allowing a return to year-round testing and an end to the program’s pause during the summer months.

Julien Wiggins, Bowel Cancer Australia CEO, noted that bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, but if detected early, almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.

“Mobilising other health professionals – like community pharmacists – to deliver and support screening will further encourage participation and help the program maximise its life-saving potential,” Wiggins said.

Free testing is currently offered every two years to people aged 50-74, but medical guidelines state healthcare professionals could consider offering a screening blood test every two years for those aged 40-44 and 75-85.

These tests are available to purchase at community pharmacies.

Jane Hoffman, pharmacist and Bowel Cancer Ambassador, lost her husband, Marty, to bowel cancer at age 42.

“Easier, more accessible screening and better public education are key to making sure more people get an early diagnosis,” she said.

“Community pharmacists having conversations with patients about screening and watching for early signs of bowel cancer will play an important role in normalising that conversation,” Hoffman continued.

“Young dads like Marty might test earlier if prompted by a community pharmacist.” KB

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