Bowel cancer screening program extended

By 2020 every Australian aged 50 to 74-years-old will receive free home bowel cancer screening kits every two years.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australia with approximately 80 Australians dying each week.

Previously people aged 50 to 65 were sent the kits every five years but people aged 66-74 were missing out.

Health Minister Sussan Ley said extending the program would cost $95.9 million but would detect up to 3500 potential cases and save up to 500 lives a year.