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π©Ί Alarming Rise in Bowel Cancer Among Young Australians
A recent report on Australia’s morning show Sunrise revealed that Australia has the highest rate of bowel cancer in people under 50 worldwide. The sharp increase in cases among younger adults is becoming a growing public health concern.
π What’s Happening?
- Australia ranks #1 in the world for bowel cancer rates in people under 50.
- The incidence rate in those aged 25–49 is increasing by 6–8% per year.
- Bowel cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women.
- People born in the 1990s are 2–3 times more likely to develop bowel cancer than those born in the 1950s.
⚠️ Why Is This Happening?
Experts suggest several contributing factors:
- Westernised diets high in processed meat and saturated fat
- Physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking
- Imbalanced gut microbiome (due to low fiber intake and increased antibiotic use)
- Exposure to environmental pollutants (e.g., microplastics, pesticides)
π Symptoms to Watch For
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your GP immediately:
- Blood in your stool or changes in stool color
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, etc.)
π©Ί How to Get Screened for Bowel Cancer
1. iFOBT (Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test)
Australians aged 50–74 receive a free bowel screening kit every two years via mail. You can collect your sample at home and post it back for analysis.
- Purpose: Detect hidden blood in stool – an early sign of cancer
- If blood is detected, a colonoscopy is recommended
- Results are usually sent within 14 days
2. Request a Test via GP (for ages 40–49)
Individuals aged 45–49 can request a free test kit. For those aged 40–44, testing is available at the GP’s discretion. Medical consultation is crucial in this age group.
3. Colonoscopy
If the iFOBT result is abnormal or if there is a family history, your GP will refer you to a specialist for a colonoscopy.
- Performed under sedation; polyps can be removed immediately if found
- Private procedures may incur costs (covered by Medicare or private insurance)
πΊ Real Stories That Raise Awareness
Natalie Hunter, aged 45, ignored symptoms and was later diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. Michael Mellen, 37, was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer despite his symptoms having disappeared—he chose to get screened anyway.
✅ What You Can Do Today
- Pay attention to unusual symptoms
- Participate in regular iFOBT testing – especially if you're over 45
- Consult your GP for a risk assessment and further testing if necessary
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: improve your diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Bowel cancer is 99% treatable if caught early.
A small action today can save your life tomorrow.
π Download the checklist here: Bowel Cancer Self-Checklist (DOCX)
π Want to Learn More?
- π Related Post: Free Health Check Series Part 3: Bowel Cancer Screening
- π Official Resource: National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – Australian Government
Sources: Sunrise (7NEWS), The Guardian, News.com.au, Bowel Cancer Australia