Maximising the effectiveness of bowel cancer screening programs: the role of cancer organisations

Faculty

Chair

Professor Mark Elwood, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Canada 

Presenters

Mrs Julietta Patnick, Director, NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, UK

Dr Joan Austoker, Cancer Research UK

Ms Alison Peipers, Deputy Director, Cancer Education, The Cancer Council Victoria, Australia

Session content

Why screen for bowel cancer?

The session will be introduced by Mrs Julietta Patnick who will give an international perspective on the evolution of bowel cancer screening and the establishment of screening programs.

Information needs of the public and health professionals

Professor Joan Austoker will discuss the development of bowel cancer screening information and consider the lessons that can be learnt from other screening programs. Behavioural issues and information needs particular to bowel cancer screening will be discussed.

Cancer organisations supporting screening

Cancer organisations play a variety of roles in supporting bowel cancer screening, whether there be government lead or regional screening programs in place, or ad hoc screening occurring. Ms Alison Peipers will share examples of the work of several cancer organisations.