(Formerly the Beat Bowel Cancer Project)
Lead: A/Professor Caroline Miller
Modelling demonstrated that realistic targets established for bowel screening participation (60%) and follow-up colonoscopy (90%) by 2020 almost halves the current age-standardised colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality rate and from 2030-2040 is predicted to save the health system about $450 million. These targets are being communicated to health service providers across SA LHNs and PHNs and used to establish relevant indicators and prioritise interventions.
The project also established a cross-disciplinary network and plotted a course towards zero deaths from CRC, consistent with its aim. The mortality goal has helped to develop an appropriate goal-directed strategy towards zero deaths from CRC which has four steps: Step 1. Lifestyle targets to reduce CRC incidence, Step 2. Improve participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), Step 3. Achieve timely diagnostic colonoscopy and Step 4. Improve survival in more advanced CRC, along with measurement and feedback.
Further MRFF funding will see this project extended into 2019/ 2020.