Despite bowel cancer being one of the most treatable cancers when caught early, Australia remains on track to miss its national screening target. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is calling for a new approach—one that makes better use of trained health professionals and leverages the accessibility of community pharmacy.
The 2025 AIHW National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) Monitoring Report reveals participation remains well below the 55% target, with only around 4 in 10 eligible Australians returning their free test. In 2022–23, millions of Australians aged 50–74 were invited to screen—but most did not complete the test.
“The current approach isn’t working,” said Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. “Australia needs to make the most of all its health professionals to increase early screening.”
“Pharmacists already support patients with sensitive conversations. They know their communities and are well placed to educate people on the ease, reliability, and importance of these lifesaving tests,” Professor Twomey said.
Community pharmacies also have a reliable cold chain, meaning they could support year-round test distribution—removing the current summer pause in the program.
Bowel Cancer Australia CEO Julien Wiggins said, “Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25–54. Yet if detected early, nearly 99% of cases can be successfully treated. Involving pharmacists more deeply in the screening process can help boost participation and maximise the program’s lifesaving potential.”
Pharmacies are open after hours and on weekends, and the average person visits every three weeks—making them the most accessible primary healthcare setting.
Currently, government screening tests are posted to eligible Australians every two years, but many remain unused. Offering screening kits directly through pharmacy could drive up return rates, particularly for those aged 45–74. Pharmacists also offer private bowel screening tests for people aged 40–44 and 75–85, in line with current medical guidelines.
To accelerate progress, the Guild is calling for the Federal Government to establish a screening working group—bringing together healthcare providers, consumer groups, experts, and industry to redesign the program for better reach and outcomes.
“If Australia is going to achieve future targets, we need to activate the workforce and infrastructure we already have,” Professor Twomey said.
Patients can visit Find a Pharmacy to find out more about bowel screening services.
