Get the all-clear for bowel cancer (2)

6 June 2008

Bowel cancer is the most common cancer in NSW and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

That’s why Hunter New England Health Cancer Care Co-ordinator Lesley Maher, based in Tamworth, is urging anyone you to get serious about getting the all-clear during Bowel Cancer Awareness Week (8 -14 June).

“Bowel cancer is Australia's second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer, yet it is one of the most curable cancers if detected early,” Ms Maher said.

“It claims 30 lives in NSW each week and currently only one-third of new bowel cancer cases in NSW are diagnosed at the primary cancer site before it spreads to other parts of the body.

“The most frightening prediction from the Cancer Institute of NSW is that between 2003 and 2011 there will be a 31 per cent increase in the number of new cases, so it’s important that if you are at risk you’re vigilant about being checked.”

Ms Maher said if you’re turning 50, 55 or 65, particularly if you have a family history of the cancer or noticed a change in bowel habits, it’s important to participate in the Australian Government’s free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

“It’s a simple way of finding out if you are at risk of developing bowel cancer,” Ms Maher said.

“You use a screening kit in the privacy your home to collect a sample of faeces which can be mailed to a laboratory for analysis.

“If the sample shows positive signs of bowel cancer you will be advised to discuss the result with a doctor who will generally refer them for further investigations, usually a colonoscopy.”

Signs that you urgently need to be screened for bowel cancer include:

• Blood in faeces or discolouration of the faeces to dark red or black

• A recent and persistent change in bowel habits such as looseness of faeces, constipation or mucus in bowel motions

• Unexpected weight loss and/or tiredness

• Abdominal or stomach pain or cramps

“Ways to decrease your chance of developing bowel cancer include a health diet which includes plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre, regular exercise and participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program,” Ms Maher said.

For more information about the Bowel Cancer Screening Program go to www.cancerscreening.gov.au

Contact: Emma Gibbs (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767

Phone: Emma Gibbs (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767