The collab will birth a nationwide colorectal cancer screening campaign
The Australian Government has joined forces with the Cancer Council of Australia to introduce a nationwide colorectal cancer screening campaign in response to the rising incidence of colorectal cancer and declining screening rates. In support of this initiative, the Australian colorectal cancer screening tests market is projected to reach $US10 million by 2030, according to a report by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
The report, titled “Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Market Size (Value, Volume, ASP) by Segments, Share, Trend and SWOT Analysis, Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape, Procedures and Forecast, 2015-2033,” indicates that Australia’s colorectal cancer screening tests market is expected to account for approximately 8 per cent of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market in 2023.
Nandini Nagpal, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, emphasizes the importance of addressing the gap between the goals and reality of colorectal cancer screening in Australia. While evidence shows that screening can reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, screening rates in the country remain low. To tackle this issue, the Australian Government has allocated $US10.8 million to encourage eligible individuals to undergo potentially life-saving colorectal cancer screening. This investment is anticipated to improve testing rates, facilitate early detection and treatment, and ultimately save lives.
The existing methods for detecting colorectal cancer have limitations in terms of efficacy and safety, highlighting the need for new detection methods, particularly for early-stage cancer. In response to this need, the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia recently approved the COLOTECT DNA methylation detection kit developed by BGI Genomics Co Ltd. This kit has the potential to significantly enhance early detection rates by offering a more accurate and reliable alternative to existing methods.
The COLOTECT DNA Methylation Detection Kit enables individuals to self-administer samples and send them to clinical laboratories via mail, thereby reducing implementation costs and alleviating the burden on public health systems.
Nagpal concludes by highlighting the potential impact of BGI’s COLOTECT in expanding the screening aspect of cancer detection. With government initiatives and the availability of new products, there are significant opportunities for the early detection and treatment of cancer. However, to make these government efforts more effective and protect themselves against life-threatening diseases, individuals must assume equal responsibility by participating in screening programs.
