Got a funny gut feeling?

It never hurts to keep an eye out for symptoms of bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is one of Australia’s most common cancers but also one of the most preventable!

Research conducted among LGBTQ+ people aged 50-74 found that nearly 42% think they are not at risk of bowel cancer.

We need to flush this belief. Bowel cancer screening could save your life.

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer usually starts as harmless growths (polyps) in the large bowel, but some can turn cancerous.

The good news is that it’s super preventable! These polyps can be detected and removed at an early stage.

Over 50? Introducing your new 2-year bowel cancer screening routine

Everyone needs to start bowel cancer screening at age 50 and screen every two years until age 74.

But why?

Your risk of bowel cancer increases with age – regardless of exercise, diet, and levels of smoking and drinking.

After age 50, your risk of bowel cancer is significantly higher. By routinely screening, you can significantly decrease your risk of bowel cancer.

Earlier detection = more successful treatment.

I’m not over 50 and/or don’t have any symptoms – do I need to screen?

Although uncommon, bowel cancer can develop in younger demographics and without noticeable symptoms.

Every year, bowel cancer diagnosis affects many young Australians.

If you are a young person worried about bowel cancer, speak to your GP. You can also check out the Never2Young initiative from Bowel Cancer Australia.

If you are outside the invited age group (50-74), you aren’t eligible for the free test. You may have to purchase a test for roughly $40.

Please discuss your bowel cancer screening options with your doctor.

What’s my risk of bowel cancer?

Everyone has a certain risk of bowel cancer. Risk factors include family history, personal health, and hereditary conditions.

It is vital to know your level of risk for bowel cancer and screen accordingly.

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Observe your bowel habits and listen to your gut!

When it comes to early symptoms of bowel cancer, here’s what to look out for:

• Bleeding: Never ignore blood in your stool or bleeding from your rectum.
• Abdominal or anal pain: Don’t mistake it for a haemorrhoid! Talk to your GP to determine the cause of any unexplained or persistent pain.
• Abnormal bowel movements: Watch for changes like irregularity, straining from constipation, or frequent diarrhea.
• Unexplained anemia leading to tiredness or weakness.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Change in your poo’s shape or appearance: If your poo looks different than usual, note any mucus or colour (see the Bristol Stool Chart below).

If you experience one or a combination of these symptoms, don’t wait – please see your GP.

If you need to see your doctor, keep a symptom diary of what you have been experiencing.

The more information you can give your GP, the easier it will be for them to make an accurate diagnosis.

Bowel cancer can also develop without symptoms. This is why screening is important!

If you are over 50, you are also at greater risk if you have:

• • a previous history of bowel polyps
  • a previous history of bowel cancer
  • a family history of bowel cancer
  • chronic inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • increased insulin levels or type 2 diabetes.

If you are at higher risk, please discuss routine screening with your doctor.

I’m over 50 – how do I get my free bowel cancer test kit?

Good news! Screening is easier than ever~

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers free bowel tests by mail, every 2 years, to Australians aged 50-74.

Criteria for eligible recipients:

• Aged 50-74
• Are entitled to Medicare as an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a Medicare card or are a registered Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) customer; and
• Have a mailing address in Australia.

That’s right – it’s free, convenient, and mailed to your address for use at home!

Your kit includes step-by-step instructions for using the test. Read more on how to use the kit here.

Eligible and need a kit? Call the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701 or use the online order form.

You may also ask your local GP for a test kit.

If you are 45-49 years old, you can request a free screening kit!

Great news! From 1 July 2024, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program has lowered the eligible screening age from 50 to 45.

People aged 45 to 49 can request their first free bowel cancer screening kit to be mailed directly to them.

Simply put:

• If you are 45-49 years old: you can request your first bowel cancer screening kit to be mailed to you.
• If you are 50-74 years old: you will automatically receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every 2 years if you meet the eligible criteria in the section above.

If you have not received your kit, please discuss with your doctor.

Reducing your cancer risk

Increasing age is the biggest risk factor for bowel cancer.

Rest assured, there are many things you can do to stay healthy and lower your risk of cancer:

• Drink less: Reducing your alcohol intake reduces your risk of many cancers. Aim to stay within the Australian Alcohol Guidelines: No more than 4 standard drinks a day and no more than 10 standard drinks a week.
• Healthy eating: Eat a fibre-rich diet to reduce bowel cancer risk. It should include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts.
• Physical activity: Doing 30 minutes of daily physical activity will do wonders for minimising your cancer risk.
• Consume dairy: Evidence shows consuming dairy products decreases your bowel cancer risk. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, consider (vegan) calcium supplements instead.
• Eat less red meat: Limit your intake of red, charred, and processed meats to lower your risk of bowel cancer. If barbecuing meat, cook on a low heat to avoid fat dropping onto the flame and charring the meat.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer. LGBTQ+ people smoke more than the general population. This raises our risk of cancer and other diseases. There are various benefits to quitting smoking[1].

 

Bowel cancer sounds like a real pain in the ass but it’s super preventable when caught early!

 

Can we:

1. Screen before any symptoms arise and beat bowel cancer to the punch?
2. Keep an eye out for symptoms of bowel cancer and see a GP if we notice anything unusual?
3. Recognise our personal level of bowel cancer risk?

Yes, we can.

Do your bit. Use the kit.

 

For more information on bowel cancer prevention, head to the Bowel Cancer screening section of our site. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, and if you have any other questions please reach out: canwe@acon.org.au

For more resources, please visit:

Free Bowel Cancer Screening Test Kit – Cancer Institute NSW