A partnership between Preventive Health SA and Cancer Council SA, the ‘Lift Your Game’ grant invites regional and rural football clubs to help raise awareness of bowel screening within their local communities throughout June and July.
All participating clubs will be eligible for a $20,000 grant to support facility upgrades, new equipment or uniforms, or player and community development programs.
Latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing shows that more than half of regional and rural areas in South Australia have below the state average bowel screening participation rates for people aged 50-74.
Free bowel cancer screening is available to Australians aged 45-74 through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
People aged 50-74 receive a free test kit in the mail every two years and can request a replacement kit at any time.
Anyone aged 45-49 years can also opt-in to the program and receive their first kit in the mail by contacting the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program at ncsr.gov.au or 1800 627 701.
Cancer Council SA Senior Manager Prevention Christine Morris said up to 90 per cent of bowel cancers were able to be treated effectively if caught early.
“Bowel cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages so the more people who screen, the more bowel cancers we can detect early and the more lives that are saved.
“Nothing brings a community together quite like footy - it’s where people connect, check in, and look out for each other. That’s why clubs are perfectly placed to lead from the front and rally their community behind a cause that really matters,” Christine said.
“Whether it’s sharing a post, sticking up a poster or having a chat at the clubrooms, these small actions can help get bowel screening front of mind. And when that kit lands in the letterbox, it’s your cue to take action.”
Regional football clubs can learn more about ‘Lift Your Game’ and apply for the grant by Sunday 31 May at cancersa.org.au/liftyourgame.
Every club that participates will receive posters and social media templates to help spread the bowel screening message in their community.
