Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, and it is the 4th most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. The bowel cancer incidence rate rises sharply after 50 years of age, but the bowel cancer rate in young adults has been increasing. Higher rates of bowel cancer are found in people who have a family history of bowel cancer, those who smoke, consume excessive alcohol, are overweight or are sedentary. There is an association with red and processed meats. Investigating new bowel related symptoms with colonoscopy is important for early detection. Surveillance screening with faecal occult blood testing (home poo test) or surveillance colonoscopy, significantly increases survival in patients 45 years old and above.
It is important to discuss any symptoms or concerns with your General Practitioner and possibly be referred to a specialist to discuss colonoscopy. If found bowel cancer is found early, 90% of cases can be successfully treated.
Further information regarding bowel cancer can be seen at
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer
