New Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, released in June, shows that South Australia leads the nation in bowel screening participation at 47.4 per cent compared to the national average of 42 per cent in 2023-24.
In May 2025, 67-year-old Mal started experiencing unusual changes in his body including tiredness, mood changes and changes to his bowel movements. He had a feeling something was wrong but life was busy so he put off seeing his doctor – until he couldn’t ignore it anymore.
“I could feel my body struggling. It's the only way to put it. I thought, ‘this is not right’. So I organised an appointment with the doctor. They got me in for a colonoscopy but, not surprisingly, they couldn’t do it. There was a 10 centimetre tumour blocking the path,” Mal said.
A week later, Mal was having surgery to fit him with a stoma bag and he began six months of chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumour, which finished just last month.
More tests in the coming weeks will determine Mal’s next steps, but he is feeling positive and using his own experience to spread awareness about the importance of seeing your doctor when you notice changes in your body and doing the free bowel screening test every two years to help find cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
“For me, spreading the message is important because I know there are a lot of people out there, men and women, with the same sort of ‘I'll be right’ mindset that I had,” Mal said.
“If you've got bodily changes, go and get it checked. Don't wait. If you get a bowel test kit, don't chuck it in the drawer, don't leave it on the cabinet. Get it, use it and send it in.
“Early diagnosis and early intervention are what it's all about. It could save your life. If I can help one person prevent the unnecessary treatments and surgeries that are likely to follow, then I've done my job.”
This month, Cancer Council SA, in partnership with Preventive Health SA, launched the ‘Bowel Cancer Waits For No One’ campaign across multiple platforms including social media, TV on demand, radio and outdoor advertising to encourage South Australians aged 45-74 to complete the bowel cancer screening test every two years.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting First Nations people, but research shows screening participation rates in these communities have been consistently lower than among people who do not identify as First Nations. Cancer Council SA is also working with First Nations ambassadors to share local stories that raise awareness of screening and encourage greater participation in these communities.
Free bowel cancer screening is available to Australians aged 45-74 through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. The test is designed for people who have no signs or symptoms of bowel cancer. Anyone experiencing symptoms should see their GP as soon as possible.
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 join the program by requesting their first kit online by searching 'free bowel screening kit', or by calling the Contact Centre on 1800 627 701.
Cancer Council SA Prevention Programs Manager Diem Tran said that bowel cancer takes more lives than breast, prostate or skin cancer but when found early, more than 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated.
“Mal’s story is a powerful reminder to listen to our bodies and see a doctor if we notice anything unusual. But often bowel cancer can have no symptoms in its early stages and that’s why regular screening is also so important,” Diem said
“While it’s fantastic to see South Australian bowel screening participation rates are the highest in the country, there are still more than 50 per cent of eligible South Australians who are not completing this life-saving test.
“When the test arrives in the mail, don’t wait. It’s free, easy to do at home and could save your life.”
Preventive Health SA Chief Executive Marina Bowshall emphasises the importance of the campaign and bowel screening to give people the earliest diagnosis possible.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Cancer Council SA to boost the delivery of this new campaign to more South Australians, and in particular boosting reach of the campaign in regional areas to hear this vital message,” Ms Bowshall said.
“The campaign encourages us to act early. Screening can detect cancers before symptoms appear, giving people the best chance of successful treatment and recovery while reducing the need for more invasive interventions.”
South Australians can learn more about bowel cancer screening at bowelcancer.org.au.
