Early detection and cancer prevention

Introduction

Early detection of cancer can significantly improve your chances of successful treatment. 

In the Northern Territory (NT), there are screening programs in place for early detection and prevention of certain cancers.

Find out more information about: 

Prevention

At least one in three cancers can be prevented. 

More than 13,000 cancer deaths in Australia each year are due to smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, inadequate exercise or being overweight.

Find out about the simple lifestyle changes you can take to minimise your risk of cancer, including reducing your risk through sun exposure.


HPV vaccine and cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that cause skin warts, genital warts and some cancers in both men and women.

Prevention and vaccine

Vaccination against HPV is critical to eliminating cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are linked to HPV infection.

Vaccination also protects against genital warts and other HPV related cancers in both men and women.

A single dose of the vaccine is considered fully vaccinated.

Students from 12 years of age (year 7) are offered the free vaccine as part of the Northern Territory's school-based immunisation program.

Catch-up immunisation is available for people under the age of 26 as part of the National Immunisation Program.

For more information go to the Department of Health and Aged Care website or the Cancer Council Australia website.


Bowel screening

If you are over 50 years old you can have a free bowel test through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

The program aims to reduce illness and death from bowel cancer through regular screening to help with early detection.

It is currently inviting men and women turning 50, 55, 60, 64, 65, 70, 72 and 74 to screen for bowel cancer. You will be sent a free, easy to use screening kit that can be completed at home.

Between 2015 and 2020, more age groups will be added to the screening program, including:

  • 2017 - 68, 58 and 54 year-olds
  • 2018 - 62 and 66 year-olds.

People aged 52 and 56 will be included from 2019 to 2020.

By 2020, about four million Australians will be invited to screen each year, which could save up to 500 lives each year and reduce the effects of bowel cancer on Australians.

About the test

The test, called the faecal occult blood test, can pick up early signs of bowel cancer

It is done in the privacy of your own home and involves taking two to three samples of separate bowel motions (faeces) using a test kit.

The test looks for small amounts of blood that are invisible to the naked eye.

Your results

If blood is detected, your result is positive. About one in 13 people will have a positive result. 

This may be due to conditions other than cancer, such as polyps, haemorrhoids or inflammation of the bowel, and the cause of bleeding needs to be investigated.

If your result is positive you will be asked to contact your doctor, who may recommend further tests, usually a colonoscopy, to find the cause of bleeding.

Getting the test

You will receive an invitation to take part in the program. Your name is drawn from either the Medicare or Department of Veterans' Affairs enrolment records. Check when you will receive your screening kit on the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website.

You can also ask your General Practitioner (GP) for a test kit.

The screening kit includes an instruction sheet that guides you through the process. 

For help with the instructions contact the test helpline on 1800 738 365.


Lifestyle and cancer prevention

Smoking and cancer

Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer and other major illnesses.

Every cigarette you don't smoke is doing you good. You will be able to feel the benefits of stopping smoking within hours and days.

You could also save thousands of dollars a year.

Stopping smoking can be difficult but with the right support you'll be able to quit for good.

For more information on how to quit smoking, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Eat well, keep fit and cut down on alcohol

Eating healthy food, especially fruit and vegetables, will make you feel better, increase your energy and help protect you against serious illnesses.

It is recommended you eat at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables each day.

Most Territorians only eat half of their recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

You should do all of the following:

  • maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) - between 18.5 and 25 is recommended for adults
  • do regular physical exercise - 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day can help reduce your risk of cancer
  • eat a healthy balanced diet that includes fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, low salt, lean meat and reduced fat dairy products
  • avoid eating too many processed foods that are high in fat and salt
  • only eat takeaways in moderation
  • either avoid or limit the amount of alcohol you drink to two standard drinks a day.

Find out more information on exercise and healthy living and keeping a healthy weight.


Sun exposure and cancer prevention

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.

More than 430,000 Australians are treated a year for skin cancers.

Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

The major cause of skin cancer is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes in the sun so it is very important to protect your skin from UV radiation.

Skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting yourself against sun damage and sun burn.

Follow these simple steps to reduce your risk.

  • cover up by wearing clothes made from light fabrics
  • wear a hat that covers your face, ears and shoulders
  • wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 +
  • stay in the shade
  • wear sunglasses that meet the Australian standard AS 1067.