Why is cancer screening so important?
People with breast, cervical and bowel cancers detected through national cancer screening programs have better cancer survival outcomes than those diagnosed who had never been screened.
In 2018, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) conducted an analysis of cancer outcomes and screening behaviour for national cancer screening programs in Australia.
Cancer screening can help detect cancers early, even before you have any symptoms of the disease.
Screening programs offer free tests that detect cancers in the early stages - this means people have more effective treatment options, and better outcomes.
We work to raise awareness of the early symptoms of cancer and encourage people to take appropriate action if they identify these symptoms.
In this section
Australia has one of the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world—find out why screening is important and how you can take part in bowel screening.
What is breast cancer screening? What services does the Cancer Institute NSW provide? Who should consider a mammogram?
A Cervical Screening Test every five years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Learn more about how cervical screening saves lives.
A National Lung Cancer Screening Program is being developed and will launch in NSW in July 2025. By detecting lung cancer early, the program will help to prevent over 500 deaths each year in Australia.
