This week, 300 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer. That's 15,610 people per year in Australia! The good news is, it's one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early.

 

What is bowel cancer? 

Bowel cancer is cancer located in any part of the colon or rectum. You may have also heard of it as colorectal cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is located. Our colon and rectum form our large intestine, which is responsible for absorbing water, nutrients, and passing waste (poo) out of our bodies. 

 

 

 

Who is at risk of bowel cancer?

• Age 45 or older - but don’t be fooled if you are younger than 45, young onset bowel cancer is on the rise! 
• Family History of Bowel Cancer
• History of polyps in the colon
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) 

 

 

If you are experiencing ANY of the below symptoms, it’s time to check in with your GP!

B - Blood in your poo

O - Obvious change in your bowel habits 

W - Weight loss you can’t explain

E - Extreme tiredness for no reason

L - Lump or swelling in your abdomen 

 

 

 

Your preventative bowel cancer checklist!

• Less than 3 serves red meat per week (350-500g cooked weight total per week) 
• Limit processed meat intake as much as possible (bacon, ham, salami) - there is no safe amount
• 25 - 30g fibre per day 
• 90g Whole Grains per day 
• Less than 2 Alcoholic Drinks per day
• 30-60 minutes physical activity per day
• Quit smoking and limit exposure to tobacco smoke

 

 

In Australia, we have a tax-payer funded National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for those who meet any risk factors for bowel cancer. Sadly, only 40.9% of people invited to participate in the tax-payer funded National Bowel Cancer Screening Program actually do. 

If you meet ANY of the risk factors for bowel cancer, or are invited to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, make sure you do so! It’s simple, and could save your life! 

To learn more about bowel cancer and to see if you are eligible for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, visit: https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/  To explore our range of 100% preservative and gluten free meals to aid in your preventative checklist journey, visit https://nourishd.com.au/menu