In early 2024, I joined 1,295 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer every month. My initial feelings were of shock, fear and denial. I woke up every morning hoping it was just a bad dream.
My cancer journey began when I attempted to donate blood at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in February. I’ve donated since my late teens. On this donation, my haemoglobin levels were far too low to donate. Lifeblood told me to visit my doctor. I initially brushed of any concern, but full credit to my doctor, who stoically referred me to have a colonoscopy, that revealed cancer.
Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25 to 44, and it’s on the rise. The risk of diagnosis before the age of 40 has more than doubled since 2000. You can be never too young to have bowel cancer.
There is hope. We can all can take action to help prevent and screen for bowel cancer.
Firstly, know the symptoms of bowel cancer. I experienced fatigue from low iron levels. Symptoms also include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal swelling or pain. We all need to listen to our bodies.
Secondly, know and understand your family history or hereditary contribution. I have a family history of bowel cancer on my maternal side. My two aunts and uncle died from bowel cancer aged in their late 50s and 60s. Knowing your family history can make all the difference.
Thirdly, make regular visits to your doctor. You should never be told you are too young to have bowel cancer. It can be a silent killer. Donating blood gave my blood a loud voice and alerted me to danger. Visiting your doctor will help give you expert advice.
Fourthly, embrace a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Eat more naturally fibre rich foods, limit red meat consumption and alcohol, avoid processed meats, and quit smoking. Having an active lifestyle in your everyday life will also help.
Finally, request a bowel cancer screening kit. If you are aged 45 and above, this free and simple test at home could save your life. Visit www.ncsr.gov.au. Thank you to Bowel Cancer Australia, who advocated for six years to lower the screening kit age to 45 with their campaign, #Never2Young.
