Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, killing more people in NSW than prostate cancer, breast cancer or even melanoma. For this reason, June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Held by Bowel Cancer Australia, this annual initiative aims to raise awareness of bowel cancer, which claims more than 100 Australian lives every week.
If found early, bowel cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer. While the risk increases significantly with age, the disease doesn’t discriminate, affecting men and women, young and old. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from bowel cancer by screening the eligible target population for early detection of the disease. Eligible Australians (those aged 50–74) are sent a free screening kit and are invited to screen every 2 years.
Why should you test?
According to the NSW Cancer Institute, 1 in 14 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime in New South Wales.
The risk of bowel cancer can be reduced by being smoke free, staying active, enjoying a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, limiting the intake of red and processed meats, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
The best way to also stay protected is to detect it early. If detected early, bowel cancer can be treated successfully in more than 90% of cases. Talk to your GP about the screening program and when you should take part.
You can find out more on the Cancer Institute NSW website.