Bowel Cancer Australia eNews: Tomorrow Is Red Apple Day / Symptoms Remain Not Normal / #Never2Young Awareness Week / Dry July

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month Australians are being urged that despite uncertainties due to COVID-19, early detection of the disease cannot and should not stop, even during a pandemic.

The sharp decline in GP visits for people seeking treatment in the wake of the pandemic could result in bowel cancers being undiagnosed, or prolong the time to diagnosis, leading to poorer long-term outcomes.

The anticipated colonoscopy backlog due to the cancellation of all but Category 1 urgent procedures on March 25 is expected to further compound public hospital wait times, which already exceeded medically recommended waits of 30 days pre-pandemic.

Bowel cancer care is not elective and timely diagnosis is paramount. We know when bowel cancer is detected in the earliest stages, almost 99 percent of cases can be successfully treated.

However, if we are dealing with months of delays in diagnosis, these can impact long-term outcomes.

Visible symptoms are NOT NORMAL. They require prompt investigation to rule out anything sinister as the underlying cause.

With over 325 new cases and 108 deaths estimated weekly (16,938/5,597 annually), during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June, Australian’s are reminded that despite the NEW NORMAL, some things remain NOT NORMAL.

Buy a virtual Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon

A simple way to help show your support of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Red Apple Day is to purchase a Virtual Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon.

+ Send a ribbon to someone you know who has been affected by bowel cancer.

+ Dedicate a ribbon in remembrance.

+ Buy a ribbon to support Bowel Cancer Australia and help raise awareness.

The virtual ribbon can also be sent as an eCard and/or pinned to our virtual apple tree.

Tomorrow is Red Apple Day

A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day (Wednesday, 17 June 2020), when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through organising apple themed fundraising activities.

If you've ever thought about raising funds and awareness for bowel cancer, then Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is the time to do it!

This Red Apple Day host an apple themed virtual brunch, morning or afternoon tea, dinner or evening catch-up.

Create your Bowel Cancer Awareness Month or Red Apple Day online fundraising page as an individual or a team now using Everyday Hero, Go Fundraise or Facebook.

My Age Was Not A Factor

Did you know, the rates for bowel cancer have been declining among adults over 50, but rising in adults UNDER 50?

Unfortunately, young-onset patients are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer in Stage 3 or 4, when the disease is harder to treat. Missed symptoms and misdiagnosis can often delay the correct diagnosis in young-onset cases.

It is a common misconception that bowel cancer is 'an old person's disease', but the reality is that you should never be told that you are too young to have bowel cancer.

Around 1 in 10 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under the age of 50.

Join Bowel Cancer Australia in helping to save young lives this #Never2Young Awareness Week (22-28 June 2020) by raising awareness that you’re never too young to have bowel cancer.

Take part in our ‘My Age Was Not A Factor’ social media campaign.

My Bowel Cancer - My Voice

Bowel Cancer Australia has launched 'My Bowel Cancer, My Voice' - a free online tool for newly diagnosed patients that highlights how cancer and treatment are affecting you, from your perspective.

It covers issues you may never have had to think about before, from practical matters like treatment or side-effects interfering with work, family, or social activities, to how you are feeling physically and emotionally.

The answers you provide are known as ‘patient-reported outcomes’, or PROs, and provide a picture for your healthcare team of the impact cancer and treatment is having on you.

Together with your specialist, you can use the insights to make sure you achieve the best health outcomes possible.

Your healthcare team consists of experts in bowel cancer, but YOU are the expert in what matters most regarding your life, your treatment, and your care.

Be an active participant in your treatment and care.

With your support we're making an impact

Over the past 20 years, Bowel Cancer Australia has grown to become the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care for everyone affected by bowel cancer.

During that same time, bowel cancer incidence rates in Australia have decreased more than any other cancer, according to data published this month by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Dating back to 2014, the numbers show more National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) kits are completed in the June and September quarters every year than at any other time, highlighting the important influence Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is having on people’s behaviour.

With your support, we’re making an impact – designing, and delivering quality programs and services that inform, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of others.