People in regional Western Australia are being encouraged to pay attention to changes in their body and seek medical advice if they notice possible symptoms of bowel cancer, with early diagnosis offering the best chance of successful treatment.
Cancer Council WA Cancer Prevention and Research Director, Melissa Ledger, said bowel cancer continues to have a significant impact on Western Australian families, despite being one of the most treatable cancers when found early.
“In 2021, 1,342[1] West Australians were diagnosed with bowel cancer and 437 people died from the disease,” Ms Ledger said.
“Research[2] shows people living in regional Australia are less likely to survive five years after a cancer diagnosis than those living in metropolitan areas.
“Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community. That’s why recognising the symptoms and getting them checked as soon as possible is so important.”
Common symptoms that could mean bowel cancer include blood in your poo, even just once, or for at least four weeks: a new pain, lump or swelling in your tummy; feeling tired; looking pale; losing weight without trying; or a change in your normal bowel habits, including runny poo, pooing more often or finding it hard to poo.
Ms Ledger said embarrassment, busy schedules and hoping symptoms will disappear often stop people from seeking medical advice.
“People can feel uncomfortable talking about bowel habits, but having that conversation with your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker could make all the difference,” Ms Ledger said.
The earlier bowel cancer is found, the more treatment options are available and the better the chances of survival.
Bowel cancer can also occur with no symptoms, so for Australians aged 45 to 74 NOT experiencing the symptoms above, it’s important to take part in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. The Program sends home test kits to eligible Australians every two years.
Waiting to participate in screening when you have a symptom could delay your diagnosis and risk a worse outcome. The best thing to do if you have a symptom is to tell your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker.
