New research shines light on bowel cancer awareness

New research shines light on bowel cancer awareness. Photo: Getty Images

Each year, bowel cancer affects more than 15,000 Australians.

While more than 90 per cent of cases are diagnosed in women and men aged 50 years and older, the incidence of bowel cancer among younger people is rising.

To mark the start of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June, preliminary research has been released that shows many patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s were unaware of their risk.

Since April, more than 200 bowel cancer patients under 50 have been surveyed as part of the Never Too Young research project, which was commissioned by Bowel Cancer Australia and runs until June 30.

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It found 80 per cent of patients with early-onset bowel cancer were unaware of their risk before they were diagnosed and that more than half were diagnosed in stage three or four of the disease, meaning the cancer had already spread.

Of those surveyed, 39 per cent were aged 40-49 when they were diagnosed.

Signs of bowel cancer can include abdominal pain, blood in bowel movements, unexpected weight loss or a noticeable change in bowel habits. More than half of the people who took part in the survey waited at least a month to visit a doctor after experiencing their first symptom.

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see your GP as soon as possible – and that’s good advice, no matter how old you are. If detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in 90 per cent of cases.

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“It can be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but your GP has heard it all before,” says Bowel Cancer Australia chief executive Julien Wiggins.

“If there’s one conversation you have about bowel cancer, have it with your GP. Don’t ever be scared to mention it. It’s better to have your symptoms investigated. And you should never be told you’re too young to have bowel cancer.”

So, how can you reduce your risk in the first place? Boosting your dietary fibre intake by eating more plant foods and reducing how much red meat and processed foods you eat both have a significant impact, as does increasing your level of physical activity.

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Bowel Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout June. If you're under 50 and interested in taking part in the survey, visit bowelcanceraustralia.org