How to Determine if You Qualify for Early Cancer Screening Programs in Australia

Data provided to Four Corners by Cancer Australia has painted a concerning picture for young Australians. Between the years 2000 and 2024 — in 30–39-year-olds — early onset prostate, pancreatic, liver, uterine and kidney cancer diagnoses increased dramatically in varying percentages. Some increases, such as prostate cancer, might be explained by changes in the way they are diagnosed — but most cannot. Screening still is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer and there are several national programs that test eligible Australians for various forms of cancer. Eligibility for some programs has recently been expanded to reflect the increasing cancer rates among younger Australians, while other programs have just rolled out this month. These are the eligibility details for each.

Cervical screening: Women aged 25–74 are able to participate in Australia's cervical screening program, which is to be repeated every five years. The cervical screen test is straightforward and checks for the human papillomavirus, a common virus that can cause cervical cancer. You can either self-collect or book an appointment with your GP. Self-collection allows a person to collect their own vaginal sample in a private space in a primary healthcare setting, potentially reducing barriers to cervical screening. Previously, self-collection was only available to people who were 30 years of age or over and had never participated in the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) or who were overdue for cervical screening by two years or longer. You can contact your GP to talk about what the most suitable option for you is.

Bowel screening: If you are aged between 45 and 74 you are eligible for a free bowel cancer screening kit. The test is for people who have no signs or symptoms of bowel cancer. Australians between the ages of 45 and 49 can request a bowel cancer screening kit, which will be sent to them via mail. People aged 50 to 74 years old will receive a kit every two years. If you are outside the age range for a free screening but wish to receive one, speak with your GP. Your doctor may recommend bowel screening available via Medicare. Bowel screening kits are also available for purchase at pharmacies or online.

Breast cancer screening: Breast cancer screening is recommended for women aged 50–74 and should be repeated every two years. Once an eligible individual turns 50 they will be sent an invitation to receive a free mammogram. Women aged 40–49 and those aged over 74 are also eligible to receive a free mammogram if they don't have symptoms of breast cancer but they will not receive an invitation. For women under 40, breast screening isn't offered for free and is less effective. If you're concerned you may have a higher risk of breast cancer, you should talk to your GP as a breast ultrasound or MRI may be better.

Lung cancer screening: A national lung cancer screening program was introduced as of July 1 this year. The program screens for lung cancer in high-risk individuals using low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT) scans. People are eligible for the program if they are aged between 50 and 70 years and show no signs or symptoms suggesting they may have lung cancer, currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years, and have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking which is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years.

Other cancer screenings: Prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and skin cancer are commonly diagnosed among Australians, but we do not yet have population-based screening programs for those cancers. The Australian Standing Committee on Screening has found the harms of offering tests for these cancers to large target groups outweigh the benefits or do not result in fewer deaths. Instead, it's recommended you speak to your doctor if you have a family history of ovarian cancer about options for managing your risk and your concerns. You can book a skin check with your GP and the Australian Cancer Council provides guidance on how to check your skin.

I'm not old enough to get a free screening but I am still worried. What do I do? General advice from the Cancer Council: Keep an eye out for any unusual changes to your body and speak to your GP about any health concerns. You can also sign up to the National Screening Register, which provides program information and reminders to participants. It acts as a single electronic record for each Australian taking part in the bowel, cervical and lung cancer screening programs. You can register here.