How common is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is common—it kills more people in NSW than prostate cancer, breast cancer or melanoma.
But the good news is, if detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in more than 90% of cases. That is why the bowel screening program is so important.
Find the latest statistics on bowel cancer incidence, mortality and survival in NSW.
Who is most impacted by bowel cancer?
In NSW, one in 14 men and one in 18 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime1.
Our most recent data show 93 per cent of bowel cancers were found in people 45 years and over in NSW.
What are the bowel cancer risk factors?
The biggest single risk factor for bowel cancer is increasing age. In NSW, 93% of bowel cancers are found in people aged 45 and over.
People aged 45 and over should get checked for bowel cancer every two years.
If you are over 45 or have additional risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting screened for bowel cancer.
The risk is greater if you:
- are aged 45 years and over
- have had an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis
- have previously had special types of polyps, called adenomas, in the bowel
- have a significant family history of bowel cancer or polyps. For more information, see a summary of the clinical guidelines on risk and screening based on family history
- Have type 2 diabetes.
Find more information on hereditary bowel cancer.
Survival rates are significantly improved when bowel cancer is detected and treated early. Bowel cancer screening saves lives—it can detect cancer before symptoms appear.
Know the symptoms of bowel cancer and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Understand how to reduce your risk of bowel cancer—take measures such as eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.
- NSW Cancer Plan:
- Focus Cancer
