Bowel Cancer Australia eNews: New Bottom Line Podcast / Meat Free Week / Penn Foundation Scholarship

Bowel Cancer Australia is excited to announce the return of Meat Free Week, challenging Australians to try a plant-based menu for seven days and raise funds for a great cause.

Going meat free for one week creates a great opportunity to get people thinking about how much meat they eat and the impact eating too much meat can have on bowel cancer risk.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI), consumption of red meat is probably a cause of bowel cancer and consumption of processed meat is a convincing cause of bowel cancer.

If you choose to eat red meat such as beef, pork, or lamb, limit the amount to no more than about three portions per week. Three portions are equivalent to about 350-500 grams cooked weight. Eat very little, if any, processed meat, such as bacon or salami.

Consume a diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, and beans. Eating 90 grams of wholegrains daily can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by 17%.

Everyone is invited to take the Meat Free Week challenge and discover how easy it is to make small changes that can create a big difference.

For more details, meat-free recipe ideas and to sign-up, visit meatfreeweek.org

A monthly chat sharing stories and lived-experiences

The new Bottom Line Podcast, hosted by bowel cancer survivor, Stephanie Bansemer-Brown, is a monthly chat sharing stories and lived-experiences.

Hearing from people living with or beyond bowel cancer, as well as health professionals involved in bowel cancer treatment and care, can be a valuable resource that can encourage and inspire others.

In the first two podcasts, hear Dannielle speak about her bowel cancer diagnosis at 28 and listen to our Bowel Care Nutritionist talk diet and the importance of food for bowel cancer patients during treatment, recovery and beyond.

The ultimate WIN-WIN raffle

Every Play For Purpose raffle ticket gives you the chance to win awesome prizes, all while supporting Bowel Cancer Australia.

Raffle tickets are just $10, with a guaranteed minimum of $5 directly supporting the charity.

Win $250,000 in cashable Gold Bullion, plus hundreds of other fantastic prizes.

Purchase your raffle ticket today using Bowel Cancer Australia’s dedicated Play For Purpose webpage.

Play For Purpose Draw 8 closes at 8pm on 23 September 2020.

Introducing inaugural Penn Foundation Scholarship recipient - Zoe Welham

Zoe Welham developed an interest in bowel cancer while she was working on a complex scientific research project in graduate school.

As the inaugural PhD recipient of The Penn Foundation Scholarship, Zoe’s research will provide valuable new knowledge regarding the biological rules that govern bowel polyp growth – something which is still not fully understood.

Comparing the microbiomes of polyps at different risk levels for developing bowel cancer, Zoe’s research aims to better understand how the gut microbiome influences the growth of bowel polyps. Research that she hopes will ultimately lead to a reduction in bowel cancer.

Zoe will work under the supervision of the Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research, Professor Mark Molloy.

The majority of funding comes from national charity Bowel Cancer Australia, which has committed $6.4 million to establish the Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research and will be supported by additional funds of $4 million available to the University to advance research into bowel cancer.

Grow a beard, raise funds, and help beat bowel cancer

A hair-raising fundraiser Decembeard encourages men to grow a beard or some chin stubble to raise awareness and much needed funds for bowel cancer.

So why not challenge yourself to grow a beard for the month of December (‘Decembeard’) or November (‘Novembeard’) - even better, let your face fur flow for the full final two months of 2020.

No matter when you join the beardwagon, you’ll still be raising much needed funds for people affected by bowel cancer, who need your support now, more than ever.

Women and children are also encouraged to take part in Decembeard by making or faking a beard and encouraging their fathers, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, partners and male friends to find out about bowel cancer and grow a beard for Decembeard!

Register now and start making a difference at Decembeard Australia.