Bowel Cancer Awareness
Early Detection saves lives!
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon (large intestine) or rectum.
While the risk increases with age and certain conditions such as family history, inherited genetic syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, lifestyle factors and diet, bowel cancer does not discriminate.
It can affect people of all ages, including younger adults. In Australia, around 1 in 15 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime, making it one of the country's most common and second deadliest cancers. However, when detected early, bowel cancer is also one of the most treatable cancers, with survival rates exceeding 90% in the earliest stages.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
One of the challenges of bowel cancer is that it may not cause symptoms in its early stages. This is why screening is so important.
Symptoms that should never be ignored include:
Blood in your bowel motions or rectal bleeding
A recent and persistent change in bowel habits, including diarrhoea, constipation, or needing to go more often
Changes in the shape or appearance of your stool, such as narrower stools
Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, bloating or excessive wind
A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely
Unexplained weight loss
Unusual tiredness, weakness or iron deficiency anaemia
Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than bowel cancer, but they should always be assessed by a medical professional, particularly if they persist.
Screening Can Detect Bowel Cancer Before Symptoms Appear
Bowel cancer screening is designed for people who do not have symptoms and are at average risk of bowel cancer. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides free home-based faecal occult blood testing (FOBT/FIT) for eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 years. For more information on FOBT testing click here.
These simple tests can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool that may not be visible to the naked eye. A positive result does not necessarily mean cancer is present, but it does require further investigation, usually with a colonoscopy.
Screening saves lives because bowel cancer often develops slowly from small growths called polyps. Detecting and removing these polyps can prevent cancer from developing altogether.
Understanding Your Risk
Factors that may increase your risk of bowel cancer include:
Being aged 45 years or older
A personal or family history of bowel cancer or bowel polyps
Certain inherited genetic conditions
Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
Smoking
Excess alcohol consumption
Being overweight or obese
Physical inactivity
Diets high in processed meats and low in fibre
If you have a family history of bowel cancer or other risk factors, you may require screening earlier or more frequently than the general population.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a national campaign led by Bowel Cancer Australia to increase awareness of symptoms, screening and prevention. The campaign aims to reduce the impact of bowel cancer through education, advocacy and support for Australians affected by the disease.
By understanding the symptoms, knowing your risk and participating in regular screening, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from bowel cancer.
Concerned About Your Bowel Health?
If you are experiencing symptoms, have a family history of bowel cancer, or would like advice about screening, our experienced gastroenterologists can help.