Get serious about getting the all-clear

5 June 2009

Bowel Cancer Awareness Week, 8 to 14 June

 Bowel cancer is the most common cancer in NSW and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
About one in 18 men and one in 28 women will develop bowel cancer before the age of 75. And while it affects mainly people over 50, bowel cancer can occur at any age.
That’s why Armidale Community Health Palliative Care Nurse, Susan Boswell-Reynolds, is urging community members to get serious about getting the all-clear during Bowel Cancer Awareness Week (8 to 14 June).
Red Apple Day, and initiative of the Bowel Cancer and Digestive Research Institute of Australia, is a highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Week. Held on Wednesday 10 June, the day is designed to raise awareness about the major risks of bowel cancer. 
Bowel cancer is Australia's second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer, yet it is one of the most curable cancers if detected early.
“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,” Ms Boswell-Reynolds said.
Signs that you urgently need investigation for bowel cancer include blood in faeces or discolouration of the faeces to dark red or black or a recent and persistent change in bowel habits, such as looseness of faeces, constipation or mucus in bowel motions. Other indicators include unexpected weight loss and/or tiredness and abdominal or stomach pain or cramps.
If you have a family history of bowel cancer you should discuss this with your GP to find out the best screening for you. Ways to decrease your chance of developing bowel cancer include:
- Being physically active. This is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of bowel cancer.
- Choosing a healthy diet. Studies show that a diet high in vegetables, fruit and fibre can reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Ms Boswell-Reynolds said community members who are turning 55 or 65 should take advantage of the Australian Government’s free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program when they receive an invitation in the mail. 
“It’s a simple way of finding out if you are at risk of developing bowel cancer. If the sample shows positive results you will be advised to discuss the result with a doctor who will generally refer you for further investigations, usually a colonoscopy.” 
For information about the Bowel Cancer Screening Program go to: www.cancerscreening.gov.au

(HNE-1877)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183