Bowel screening participation rates

Why this indicator is important

In 2021, bowel cancer was the third most common cancer type in NSW, with 5,007 new cases (comprising 3,333 colon cancer and 1,674 rectal cancer cases).[1] Colon cancer was the second most common cause of cancer mortality in NSW in 2021, with 1,107 deaths recorded.[1]

• Earlier detection improves survival outcomes for bowel cancer patients. People with cancers diagnosed through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program had a 40% lower risk of dying than those who had not been screened.[2,3]
• The Cancer Institute NSW is leading the implementation of the Leading Better Value Care (LBVC), Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) initiative. This project focuses on increasing access to colonoscopy services after a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) through the implementation of direct access colonoscopy services and effective triaging and prioritisation of colonoscopy wait lists [5].

Annual bowel cancer screening kits sent and participation rate* for people aged 50-74, trend, NSW, 2017-2022

About this indicator

This indicator shows annual bowel cancer screening kits sent and participation rate* for people aged 50–74.

• In 2022, the bowel screening participation rate for people in NSW aged 50 to 74 was 38.0%. This is an increase from 35.4% in 2021.

*The participation rate is the proportion of the eligible population invited to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), who returned a completed immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT).

Notes

1. Data source: National Cancer Screening Register, August 2023.

References

1. Cancer Institute NSW. Cancer incidence and mortality [Internet]. Sydney, NSW. 2021 [cited 6 March 2024]. Available from: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/research-and-data/cancer-data-and-statistics/data-available-now/cancer-statistics-nsw/cancer-incidence-mortality-survival/detailed-cancer-incidence-mortality  

2. Cancer Institute NSW. NSW Cancer Plan 2022–2027. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, 2022.

3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Analysis of cancer outcomes and screening behaviour for national cancer screening programs in Australia. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2018. Cancer series no. 111. Cat. no. CAN 115.

4. Cancer Institute NSW. Reporting for Better Outcomes. Annual statewide report, 2022. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, 2022