Bowel Cancer Awareness

Don?t die of embarrassment

Many Australians are too embarrassed to discuss their bowels with a GP, a fact that ultimately leads to one Australian death approximately every two hours as a result of bowel cancer, with nearly 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Week (7 - 11 June 2005), an initiative of the Bowel Cancer & Digestive Research Institute Australia (BC&DRIA), aims to promote awareness of the disease and to encourage people to talk about symptoms rather than dying of embarrassment.

While statistics for many other forms of cancer are falling, bowel cancer figures are still on the rise, with a mortality rate of almost 50% and accounting for 14% of cancer deaths.

"Bowel cancer is certainly a killer if not detected early," said Ann Burleigh, Chief Executive Officer of the Bowel Cancer & Digestive Research Institute Australia. "The good news is that it is very treatable if detected early enough. We want people to talk about bowel cancer and to banish some of the fear, anxiety and false information."

The symptoms of bowel cancer may include bleeding, anaemia and changes in bowel habit. Abdominal pain may also indicate the presence of bowel cancer although none of these symptoms are specific to bowel cancer, and for some people there are no early symptoms.

Factors which increase the risk of bowel cancer include:

A family history of bowel cancer in close relatives

Previous history of other cancers or polyps

Age, with the risk increasing beyond 50 years

A poor diet and generally unhealthy lifestyle

"Scientific research shows that the risk of bowel cancer may be significantly reduced by simple diet and lifestyle changes, for example reducing dietary fat and increasing the intake of fresh fruit, vegetables and calcium and fibre enriched foods," stated Ms. Burleigh.

"Exercise also plays a role but, most importantly, people should not be too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms, particularly with their GP. Being aware of the various bowel cancer screening options and having a knowledge of family medical history are also helpful in determining the best health management strategies."
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DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING

The Bowel Cancer & Digestive Research Institute Australia will be selling badges in Martin Place on Tuesday 7 June between 8am - 5pm. Donation forms can also be downloaded from www.bowelcanceraustralia.com or prospective donors can call 02 9926 5014 to discuss their needs and preferences. All monies raised will go towards public health education campaigns or post-graduate bowel cancer research awards.