Wuthathi and Meriam man John Paul Janke is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 to 74 across the ACT to stay healthy and strong by doing a free bowel cancer screening test.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer and one of the most common cancers impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, if detected early, almost all bowel cancers are treatable. Nationally, around one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (31.3 per cent) are completing their bowel cancer screening tests as part of the national program. [1]

“As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we need to have important conversations about our health,” says John Paul. “Bowel screening is something that is simple, free and easy to do. We need to encourage our brothers and sisters to participate, there’s absolutely no shame in looking after your health and wellbeing. 

“As a dad, I want to be around for my family for years to come, to see my boys grow up and become young men. The test is simple, free and easy, and the outcome is huge – it can save your life”.

John Paul is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of bowel screening and increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Government’s free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. 

All eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 receive the free bowel cancer screening test in the mail every two years or through their healthcare professional. The test is clean and easy to do. Replacement kits can be ordered through GPs, health clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services, or by calling the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.

To find out more about the benefits of bowel cancer screening or to download campaign and stakeholder resources visit www.indigenousbowelscreen.com.au 

^[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: Monitoring report 2021. AIHW: Canberra, Australia, 2021.

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