With the importance of early detection emphasised as part of the program, the Waverley resident made sure she sent it back as soon as possible. 

Her test results revealed an irregularity, and she was advised to see a GP, who told her to book an appointment at a gastroenterology department.

Ms Pitt has made two appointments since January, both of which were postponed by the department.

While waiting for a third appointment on July 26, she received a letter from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, advising her to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Ms Pitt, who doesn’t have private health insurance, said the message of early detection had left her frustrated.

“I’m definitely not very happy about the way it has been handled,” she said.

“They try to tell you early detection is the best way, but then this happens.

“When I first got the results back, it really worried me, but now I’ve given in to the idea it’s out of my control.”

Statistics from Bowel Cancer Australia indicate 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected early through bowel screening and timely diagnosis.

University of Tasmania rural health lecturer Dr Simone Lee said, unfortunately, Ms Pitt’s experience was not unique.

“I would say that early detection comes to a bit of a bottleneck at the colonoscopy stage," she said.

"Anecdotally, the GPs and communities that I have spoken to out in rural areas have said that waiting lists are too long.

"Only 10 per cent of Tasmanians with a positive test result who are referred for a diagnosis, receive a colonoscopy within the recommended 30-day follow-up period.”

A Tasmanian Health Department spokesman said the introduction of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program had placed more pressure on gastroenterology services.

“The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is important in detection of cancer, but does create additional demand for gastroenterology services,” he said.

“The THS is working extremely hard to manage this demand, and at 31 March this year there were almost 190 fewer people waiting for an endoscopy, including colonoscopy, at the LGH than four years ago.

“However, from time to time, procedures can be delayed for a number of reasons, including the need to prioritise more urgent cases.”