As Australia falls short of its national cancer bowel screening targets, pharmacists are calling for a revamped approach.
The latest National Bowel Cancer Program monitoring report found of the 6.28 million Australians invited to take part, nearly six in 10 aged between 50 and 74 did not return their free bowel cancer screening test.
Despite a target participation rate of 55 per cent, only 41.7 per cent of people have taken up the opportunity to take a free bowel cancer screening test.
The lack of take up is surprising, given it's Australia's deadliest cancer.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey says the current approach of sending tests to eligible Australians through the mail "isn't working" and it's time to try something new.
"Australia needs to make the most of all its health professionals to increase early screening," he said.
"On average people visit a community pharmacy every three weeks. Community pharmacies are open into the evenings and weekends, making them the most accessible frontline health service."
Pharmacist and Bowel Cancer ambassador Jane Hoffman lost her husband to the deadly disease at 42.
"For too many, like my beloved husband Marty, the diagnosis is too late," she said.
"Young dads like Marty might test earlier if prompted by a community pharmacist."
Bowel cancer is Australia's second deadliest cancer, but if detected early almost 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully.
Screening aims to detect early signs in healthy individuals.
Those without symptoms of bowel cancer should consider being screened, with a test every two years recommended for those aged 45-74.
These tests are currently posted to patients but a large number are unreturned.
Tests for those aged 40-44 and 75-85 are available to purchase privately at local pharmacies.
