Support your staff to keep up to date with bowel screening

How to host a bowel screening information session

Bowel screening resources

Promote bowel screening messages to staff

Supporting a team member 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 42.6% 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.

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> 

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> 

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

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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 

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.

Learn more  

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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