The Penrith Panthers are teaming up with the Australian Government to save lives in their local community by encouraging more people to do their lifesaving bowel cancer screening.
The Government is partnering with the Panthers to connect with fans and encourage them and their family members aged 45-74 – to do their free bowel cancer screening every two years. Bowel cancer is Australia’s second largest cancer killer but if it is found early more than 90% of patients can be treated successfully.
For more information on the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program or to order your free kit now visit www.ncsr.gov.au/boweltest
The Australian Government sends out a free bowel screening kit to people aged 50-74 every two years. Since 1 July 2024, people aged 45 to 49 have been able to join the program by requesting their first free kit from the national cancer screening register.
Screening rates in the free program are much lower in Western Sydney at only around 35.6 per cent, while the rest of Australia’s screening rate is 40%. This lower screening rate in Western Sydney means many locals are missing their chance to catch bowel cancer early.
Penrith Panthers members and fans are encouraged to visit the Get behind it! Community roadshow trailer which will be attending the Penrith home game on August 30th 2024 and at the Panthers Leagues Club on Saturday August 31st. Here fans can learn more about the program, register to receive a kit, get free merch and chat to Panthers legends Royce Simmons and Mark Geyer.
Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP said the Australian Government was partnering with the Panthers to promote this important public health program to their extensive fan base.
“It is great to see the Panthers using their success and deep connection with their fans to help get more people doing their bowel screening. This free test saves lives – and could save the lives of Panthers fans.
“Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia but if caught early, more than 90% of bowel cancers can be treated successfully.”
“I’ve done the bowel screening test myself, and I encourage everyone aged 45-74 to do your bowel screening kit.
Penrith Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said that the club was proud to support the Australian Government initiative.
“We encourage all our members and fans that are eligible to ‘Do the Test’, it’s a free and simple process that could save their lives.”
For more information on the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program or to order your free kit now visit www.ncsr.gov.au/boweltest
“Community is central to everything that we do as a club and we are very proud to be partnering with the Australian Government to help increase the number of eligible Western Sydney residents completing their free bowel screening kit.
Matt Cameron Penrith Panthers Rugby League CEO
