Bowel Cancer Awareness Month starts this Saturday
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a Bowel Cancer Australia initiative to raise awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer and raise funds for the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care for everyone affected by bowel cancer.
Exactly one month after getting engaged, I received the news that I had bowel cancer. Despair and disbelief followed. All I wanted, and all I want, is to be a mother to my son. My message is simple; pay attention to what is ‘normal’ for your body. – Ally
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At 40-years old, my GP described me as young and healthy. The proud dad of a newborn son, I’m the typical male who ignores health-related warning signs because I know she’ll be right. It was as if time just stood still when the specialist told me I had rectal cancer. I was in total shock. I want people to understand that bowel cancer is no longer the “old person’s” cancer. – James
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Our life was one of a busy, happy family. My name is Kerry. When my husband Peter turned 55, he was diagnosed with rectal cancer. We were both in shock. I wish people knew that bowel screening is simple and only takes a couple of minutes, in contrast to the whole process of cancer treatment, which is totally overwhelming. – Kerry
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It is time Australia took bowel cancer seriously from diagnosis to support. My story is not unique, 42-year-old women told I am too young and yet presented with a stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis requiring surgery and chemotherapy. Trusting my instincts and seeking a second opinion saved my life and ensured my young son had a mother to watch him grow up – Give a $#!* about your bowel this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month! – Stephanie
