New cancer screening data has revealed the Riverland is lagging behind the state, with bowel cancer screening rates some of the lowest in the state.
The data revealed while SA is leading the nation, locally the Murray & Mallee area sits at just 44.1%.
Cancer Council SA Senior Prevention Manager Christine Morris said screening was the best way to detect bowel cancer, with up to 90 per cent of bowel cancers able to be treated effectively if caught early.
Ms Morris added further “While it’s fantastic to see South Australian participation rates the highest in the country, 46.6 per cent means that there are still over 50 per cent of eligible South Australians who are missing out on this life-saving test.”
Regions with the lowest bowel cancer screening participation rates in South Australia:
1. Outback – North and East – 35.1%
2. Playford – 37.2%
3. Adelaide City – 39.2%
4. Salisbury – 40.7%
5. Port Adelaide – West – 42%
6. Mid North – 42.3%
7. Port Adelaide – East – 42.4%
8. Eyre Peninsula and South West – 42.6%
9. Murray and Mallee – 44.1%
10. Limestone Coast – 45.2%
National – 41.7%
SA – 46.6%
(Data provided cancer council SA)
