Support your staff to keep up to date with bowel screening
Workplaces are an important way to reach eligible Victorians to encourage them to participate in screening, while also bringing together staff to support each other. Using the information below, you can protect your team’s health against bowel cancer and respond if you have a team member diagnosed with cancer.
Victorians aged 45 to 74 can participate in the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, funded by the Australian Government, however current participation rates show just 44.3% of people take the test.
Of that figure, we know people who are aged 45 to 59 years old screen at lower rates, as they believe they are at lower risk because they are too young and healthy.
This is why workplaces are an ideal setting to reach people who are eligible to screen and support their participation in the program.
How to host a bowel screening information session
Use the resources below to help organise and run a bowel screening information session at your workplace.
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ToolStep by step guide: How to host a bowel screening information sessionpdf309 KB
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PosterWorkplace bowel screening information session poster
An editable poster to promote bowel screening information sessions in the workplace.
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Fact SheetWorkplace bowel screening information session FAQspdf260 KB
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VideoWorkplace bowel screening information session
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ToolWorkplace bowel screening presentation with speakers' notespptx11 MB
Bowel screening resources
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PosterA bowel screening test could save your life posterpdf209 KB
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Fact SheetBowel screening test for consumers
Printable fact sheet containing information about bowel cancer, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and instructions on how to do the test.
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Fact SheetBowel Screening Test Instructions for health professionals and consumers
Printable factsheet with instructions on how to do the at-home bowel screening test.
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VideoHow to do the free test - National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is an Australian Government program.
Promote bowel screening messages to staff
Spread the word about bowel screening with your staff using the suggested email copy below.
Email 1
Subject: Are you up to date with your cancer screening?
Body:
<WORKPLACE NAME> strongly cares about our employees’ health. Unfortunately, cancer continues to affect the lives and health of too many people in our community. That’s why we’re sharing this important message on behalf of Cancer Council Victoria to encourage our staff to make sure they are up to date with their bowel screening.
Did you know?
Bowel cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer death in Australia, but the good news is that 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if detected early.
About the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to reduce illness and death from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease for people aged 45 to 74.
Australians aged 50 to 74 receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every two years.
Eligible people aged 45 to 49 can join the program by requesting their first bowel screen kit online or by calling the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.
Lost or expired test kits can be replaced by ordering online or over the phone.
For more information visit Cancer Council Victoria’s webpage or contact our trusted cancer nurses on 13 11 20.
Let’s support each other and Cancer Council Victoria in the fight against cancer.
If this topic has impacted you, please reach out to <internal HR/mental health nurse support staff member>.
<EMAIL SIGN OFF>
Email 2
Subject: Bowel cancer screening is now for all Victorians aged 45 to 74
Body:
I wanted to share an important health initiative with you that could make a significant difference in finding bowel cancer early.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program lowered its commencement age to include 45 to 49 in July 2024, meaning all people aged 45 to 74 are now encouraged to take the test.
Over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early, that’s why we are sharing this message on behalf of Cancer Council Victoria.
If you have any questions or would like more information about bowel screening, visit Cancer Council Victoria’s webpage, call the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.
You can also share this with your friends and family so we can all take a step together towards a healthier future.
<Email sign off>
Socials
Use the social media posts and download the tiles below to promote your bowel screening information session to staff.
Example 1: For workplaces to promote session
Bowel cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer death in Australia. It's also largely preventable. That’s why people aged 45 to 74 are encouraged to participate in bowel screening every two years.
<WORKPLACE NAME> cares strongly about our employees’ health. That’s why we’ve teamed up with @cancervic to host a free bowel screening information session on <DATE>.
Find more information on the session and RSVP here: <LINK TO SESSION INFORMATION>
Example 2: For workplaces to promote info after session
We’d like to thank everyone who attended our bowel screening information session on <DATE>.
This session was made possible thanks to @cancervic.
You can find more information about early detection and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program at cancervic.org.au/bowel
Example 3: Encourage your employees to order a free bowel screening test kit
Did you know 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if detected early?
The best way to find bowel cancer early is by doing the free at-home bowel screening test.
Australians aged 50 to 74 receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every two years, while eligible people aged 45 to 49 can join the program by requesting their first bowel screen kit.
You can request or reorder a free test kit by calling the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701 or visiting ncsr.gov.au/bowel
Example 4: To promote workplace resources to organisations on LinkedIn
We all know the importance of a workplace that prioritises its employees' overall health.
Cancer Council Victoria has developed a workplace resource featuring everything you need to run your own bowel screening information session with your employees.
While bowel screening is for people aged 45 to 74, we believe everyone will benefit from the session.
Find out how you can run your own bowel screening information session: screeningresources.cancervic.org.au/workplace-bowel-screening
January
Use this month to plan your activities for the year ahead.
February
4 February: World Cancer Day
March
8 March: International Women's Day
Historically men have had lower bowel screening rates than females, however this gap is narrowing. Latest National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data shows a participation rate of 44% among females compared to 40% among males.
22 March: Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day
Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome which gives people an increased chance of developing certain cancers, including bowel cancer, often at a younger age than the general population.
All month: March Charge
The March Charge is an online personal challenge every March. For workplaces, this is the perfect opportunity for your staff to get active to improve their overall health and wellbeing. You could organise lunch runs, walking meetings, or online fitness sessions. Making healthy lifestyle choices like these, as well as doing the free bowel screening test, can help reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
April
7 April: World Health Day
28 April: World Day for Safety and Health at Work
The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
May
May to July: Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, one of Cancer Council Victoria’s biggest events to raise vital funds for cancer prevention, research and support. Register now to secure your free host kit.
June
All month: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Dates vary year-to-year: Men's Health Week
Historically men have had lower bowel screening rates than females. Latest National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data shows a participation rate of 44% among females compared to 40% among males.
July
All month: Dry July
Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges people to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer. By combining Dry July with bowel cancer screening messaging, you can support staff wellbeing and help reduce cancer risk through both lifestyle changes and early detection.
August
Date varies year-to-year: Daffodil Day
Daffodil Day is a powerful moment to show support for cancer research and those affected by cancer. It’s also a great time to promote bowel cancer screening as part of your workplace wellbeing initiatives.
September
Dates vary year-to-year: Women's Health Week
Historically men have had lower bowel screening rates than females, however this gap is narrowing. Latest National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data shows a participation rate of 44% among females compared to 40% among males.
Date varies year-to-year: R U OK Day
About 40% of cancer patients experience clinically significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. R U OK Day is a chance to start important conversations about mental health within your organisation. If you or someone you know needs mental health support following a cancer diagnosis, you can call Cancer Council Victoria’s experienced and compassionate cancer nurses on 13 11 20.
October
10 October: World Mental Health Day
About 40% of cancer patients experience clinically significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. World Mental Health is a chance to start important conversations about mental health within your organisation. If you or someone you know needs mental health support following a cancer diagnosis, you can call Cancer Council Victoria’s experienced and compassionate cancer nurses on 13 11 20.
November
19 November: International Men's Day
Historically men have had lower bowel screening rates than females. Latest National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data shows a participation rate of 44% among females compared to 40% among males.
December
The end-of-year period is often a time of reflection, health resets, and planning for the year ahead. It’s also when many employees take extended leave, making it a perfect opportunity to encourage bowel cancer screening, especially for those aged 45 to 74 who are eligible for the free home test kit through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Ideas for action:
- Include a reminder in your end-of-year health and wellbeing communications.
- Encourage staff to use their time off to complete the test at home.
- Start planning a bowel screening awareness session for the next year.
Supporting a team member with cancer
Workplace series: a guide for managers and human resource professionals
Many workplaces are impacted by cancer and may be looking for ways to provide support.
As a HR professional, use, download and share our series of fact sheets to help people experiencing cancer make working, and the transition to returning to work, easier for employees, their colleagues and employers.
For more support or if you have any questions, contact our trusted cancer nurses on 13 11 20.
Inspiring stories
Read these inspiring stories of bowel cancer survivors to learn why it's important to prioritise bowel screening.
Show your support for Cancer Council Victoria
Connect with Daffodil Day
Every year, thousands of volunteers across Australia come together to raise awareness and vital funds for Cancer Council. Whether you're interested in volunteering at a Daffodil Day stall, or would like to organise your own fundraising event, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved!
Participate in the Biggest Morning Tea
Almost 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. We want to change that, and we need your help. By hosting a tea, you can help raise vital funds to bring us closer to a cancer free future.
Fundraising your way
Fundraising is more than just raising money; it's about bringing people together to support causes that matter. If you're passionate about supporting cancer research, your fundraising efforts can create lasting change. Whether you're an individual or part of a group, we want to inspire you with creative fundraising suggestions that we know can work.
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