Poo can be a bit taboo to think and talk about, but the Australian Cancer Council is celebrating Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents for their increased participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows test completions are up from 53.6 per cent in 2016-17 to 56 per cent in 2018-19.

Chief Executive of Cancer Council SA Lincoln Size says bowel cancer is Australia's second biggest cancer killer and it claims about 100 lives each week.

“Thankfully however, we have a screening test that can detect these cancers early, often before symptoms arise,” he says.

In 2018-19 there were 93,000 people nationally who completed the test, which equates to 860 cancers prevented and 470 lives saved over the next 50 years. 

Across the state, participation rates have increased but only a staggering 4 out of 10 people complete the test they receive in the mail.

“Locals in the Fleurieu - Kangaroo Island region who have completed their bowel screening test deserve a pat on the back and we would encourage everyone to talk to their friends and family who are aged 50-74 and ask them if they’ve done their test – talking about poo isn’t taboo when it could save your life,” says Mr Size.

For more information visit the Cancer Council website.