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Bowel cancer is Queensland's second biggest cancer killer.
What’s the single biggest risk factor?

✅ You’re right! Your age is the single biggest risk factor for bowel cancer.

 

Although factors like family history and lifestyle choices are important, age is the single biggest risk factor for developing bowel cancer. It's most common in people aged 45 and over. That's why the bowel cancer screening kit is FREE for everyone aged 45-74.

 

 

🤔 Good try - but it’s your age that is the single biggest risk factor for bowel cancer.

 

Although factors like family history and lifestyle choices are important, age is the single biggest risk factor for developing bowel cancer. It's most common in people aged 45 and over. That's why the bowel cancer screening kit is FREE for everyone aged 45-74.

 

 

Other factors that increase the risk of bowel cancer include:
  • A personal or family history of bowel cancer. If this applies to you, please talk to your doctor.
  • Smoking
  • Having a poor diet
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or Type II diabetes

Those with a higher risk of bowel cancer, such as a personal or family history, may be advised by their doctor to undertake more specific monitoring, such as earlier testing or regular colonoscopy. Please talk to your doctor about your individual risk and appropriate screening options.

 

“In March 2015, we celebrated my 50th birthday. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sent out the free testing kit a couple of months after my birthday… I was fit, healthy, relatively young and had no signs or symptoms of bowel cancer… I had a positive test”
Donna
Diagnosed with bowel cancer at 50 years old
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Queensland Health acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands across Queensland. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present for they are holders of the memories, traditions, the culture and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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