June Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Australian Should Know

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in Australia, and it is one of the most important health conversations we can have. Bowel cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, affecting both men and women.

The good news is that when detected early, the vast majority of cases are treatable. The challenge is that many Australians put off seeking help until symptoms become harder to ignore.

What are the symptoms?

When symptoms do appear, they can include persistent changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea lasting more than a few weeks, blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort or bloating that doesn't resolve, a feeling that the bowel hasn't fully emptied, unexplained fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

These symptoms can also be caused by other functional bowel conditions. Either way, any persistent or unexplained bowel symptom warrants a thorough clinical assessment to identify the cause.

Who is at risk?

Bowel cancer can affect anyone, but risk increases with age, a family history of bowel cancer or polyps, a diet high in processed or red meat, low physical activity, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption. If you have a family history of bowel cancer, speak with a bowel health clinician about when and how often you should be screened.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

The Australian Government offers free bowel cancer screening to eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. If your result comes back positive, follow-up investigation including a colonoscopy is recommended. Our clinical team can help guide you through that process.

Take action this June

You do not need a referral to book with Bowel Diagnostics & Therapy, and your initial consultation is bulk billed.

To enquire about our services or book an appointment, click HERE, phone 1300 888 608 or visit our website www.boweldoctors.com.au.