Bowel cancer is Australia's second deadliest cancer.
The good news is that 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if detected early, yet only 40% of Australians return their free bowel cancer testing kit.
To try and increase the return rate of this life saving test, the Australian Government, through the Department of Health, Ageing and Disability, has partnered with various organisations to promote the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) to our most under screened audiences.
One of these activities, the Get behind it! Community Roadshow, puts the NBCSP front and centre with locals and has been effective in normalising and increasing awareness.
These face-to-face conversations at local events and locations aim to improve participation of the program that 60% of eligible Australians put off.
The Get behind it! team have engaged with some of Australia's best known sporting legends and TV personalities, to help tell their personal stories, raise awareness and encourage 45-74 year old Australians to do the simple test every two years.
Look out for these personalities across social media and live at events across the country.
- Doctor Preeya Alexander - General Practitioner
- Wayne Schwass - Former AFL Player
- Shane Crawford - Former AFL Player
- Andrew Jarman - Former AFL Player
- Matthew Richardson - Former AFL Player and Media Personality
- Julie Goodwin - Food Personality, Author
Check out their message to our community.
The roadshow has been travelling across Australia since 2024 and 2025 and will wrap up the national tour in late 2025.
Need a first or new kit? order online.
And follow the Get Behind It team on Facebook and Instagram.
Doctor Preeya Alexander [General Practitioner]: Bowel cancer is one of Australia's most common cancers, often developing with no symptoms. But here's the good news
Wayne Schwass [Former AFL Player]: If it's found early, over 90% of cases can be successfully treated.
Shane Crawford [Former AFL Player]: You may already have this. It's free from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Andrew Jarman [Former AFL Player]: If you're aged 50 to 74, you're sent this every two years.
Matthew Richardson [Former AFL Player and Media Personality]: And if you're aged between 45 and 49, you can now request your first free kit online and join the program.
Julie Goodwin [Food Personality, Author]: So don't delay. When it arrives, put it straight in the bathroom. The test is quick and easy to do.
Shane Crawford: This test saves lives, but not enough of us doing it.
Matthew Richardson: So, the get Behind It roadshow is traveling Australia to bring this important conversation to communities.
Andrew Jarman: Bowel cancer can be preventable. So do the free test. It could save your life.
