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*Update*: In 2024, bowel cancer was estimated to be Australia’s fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer, after prostate cancer, breast cancer and melanoma of the skin. The five-year relative survival rate is over 90 per cent for stage I bowel cancer, compared with 13 per cent for metastatic stage IV bowel cancer. The Australian government lowered the eligibility age for free bowel cancer screening from 50 to 45. Since 1 July 2024, people aged 45 to 49 have been able to join the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and request their first free screening kit by calling 1800 627 701.