Bowel Cancer: The Second Deadliest in Australia
June is recognised as Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a pivotal period for highlighting Australia’s second deadliest cancer. Led by Bowel Cancer Australia, the event aims to educate the public and raise funds to support those affected. This month-long event is crucial for raising awareness about this disease which claims the lives of 5,372 Australians each year.
Approximately 14,904 Australians receive a bowel cancer diagnosis annually, making it the nation’s fourth most common cancer. A significant concern is that 1,884 of these cases occur in individuals under 50, underscoring the rise in early-onset cases. Alarmingly, Australia now has the highest rates of early-onset bowel cancer in the world.
Bowel cancer is notably deadly for Australians aged 25 to 54, disrupting their education, work, and family life. This demographic faces significant psychosocial challenges and financial hardship due to the disease. Since 2000, the risk of diagnosis before age 40 has more than doubled.
Although bowel cancer is the second deadliest cancer, it is 99% treatable when detected early. Currently, more than 163,000 Australians are living with or have survived bowel cancer. The gender distribution of diagnoses shows that 53.2% are men and 46.8% are women, reflecting its widespread impact.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Common symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal lumps or swelling. Early detection remains crucial as many younger Australians face delays in diagnosis, with some visiting multiple doctors over several months or even years before receiving a correct diagnosis.
The campaign urges Australians to remain vigilant about symptoms and seek medical advice if they notice any signs, regardless of their age. Increasing awareness and promoting early detection can significantly reduce mortality rates.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s mission is to champion issues important to those impacted by bowel cancer, helping them live their best lives. They provide support to families and individuals, aiming for a future where bowel cancer is no longer a deadly disease. Their efforts during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month are vital in spreading knowledge and encouraging early screenings.
