A quick and easy bowel screening test is available for individuals aged 45 to 74. This test is the simplest way to detect early signs of bowel cancer, which can lead to better outcomes. It can also prevent cancer from developing by identifying changes in the bowel, known as polyps, that could potentially lead to cancer.

The campaign “There’s a Lot We Can Do” shares important information with multicultural communities, including Arabic speakers.

As part of this campaign, a new video featuring Dr. Maryam Joseph speaking Arabic about the importance of bowel screening has been released.

Multicultural communities often face significant barriers in accessing cancer screening and care services, commonly due to language obstacles, lack of awareness, trauma, cultural stigma, and beliefs.

Professor Tracey O’Brien, Chief Cancer Officer in New South Wales and CEO of the Cancer Institute New South Wales, emphasized the importance of early detection for many types of cancer, including bowel cancer.

She stated, “Bowel screening is one of the most effective ways we can reduce cancer risk. It can detect cancer early and can also identify early signs in the bowel that can be removed before they turn into cancer.”

“When bowel cancer is detected early, more than 90% of people can be successfully treated. The test is free, simple, conducted at home, and it may save your life.”

Professor O’Brien noted that the Cancer Institute New South Wales is focused on supporting all multicultural communities, including those from Arabic-speaking backgrounds, to access cancer screening services that can save lives.

She added, “Awareness campaigns are just one of the initiatives to improve cancer outcomes for our Arabic-speaking communities. We recently supported World Cancer Day in Fairfield, where information about bowel cancer and the importance of early detection was shared.”

Paul Gorgees, a multicultural health worker from the South Western Sydney Local Health District, led this event and highlighted that continuous education about cancer and early detection is crucial for saving lives.

He remarked, “One of the highlights was hearing survivors share their journeys, serving as a reminder of the importance of ongoing support and education. These events are vital as they spread crucial information about prevention and early detection, strengthen the community, and remind us that no one faces cancer alone.”

Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, with more than 1,700 people expected to lose their lives to bowel cancer in New South Wales this year. The rates of bowel cancer are increasing among individuals under 50 years old.

Individuals aged 45 to 49 can request a free testing kit online here: www.ncsr.gov.au/boweltest, or by calling 1800 627 701, or by speaking to their regular doctor if they have any symptoms.

If you need an interpreter to assist you in requesting a kit from the hotline, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) at 50 14 13. Do not hang up when you hear a recorded message. Clearly state the language you speak and wait until you hear the interpreter.

People aged 50 to 74 will receive a bowel screening kit by mail every two years.

Learn more about bowel cancer screening in New South Wales here:

[Free Bowel Cancer Screening | Cancer Institute NSW](https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/dothetest?lang=ar-LB)

[How to do the test (2018) – National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – Arabic translation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwfVuXZdE1A&list=PLKFDUMupjXqiG_HkDL_ik-XqT93Xbpg_8&index=10)

More information about cancer can be found here:

[Cancer Institute NSW | Arabic](https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/support-for-communities/multicultural-communities/arabic)