Driving hope for bowel cancer patients

With bowel cancer diagnoses continuing to rise across the Loddon Mallee region, particularly for early onset (people aged under 50 years), Bendigo Health is strengthening support for patients and families through a new Specialist Bowel Care Nurse Coordinator role.

Jointly funded by Bowel Cancer Australia and the Bendigo Health Foundation, through the generosity of Corvette for Cancer supporters, the role reflects a shared commitment to improving care, navigation and support for people affected by bowel cancer at every stage of their journey.

Experienced Bendigo Health nurse Kristie Alford has stepped into the role, bringing years of clinical knowledge and a deep understanding of how patients move through different areas of the health service.

The role will connect care across Bendigo Health, supporting patients and families from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. For Kristie, the relationships she builds with patients and families will be at the heart of the role.

“A bowel cancer diagnosis can be a frightening and uncertain time, and knowing I can provide reassurance, answer questions and help navigate each stage of their journey is incredibly meaningful,” Kristie said. “Helping patients and their families feel supported when they need it most.”

Kristie will be a key contact between patients and the cancer service teams. She will work alongside doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support teams across Bendigo Health to strengthen communication, facilitate timely referrals and support continuity as patients move between services.

Cancer care involves teams and services across Bendigo Health, with patients moving through different areas of the health service throughout their journey. Through Corvette for Cancer, the Bendigo Health Foundation is investing in a role that supports patients across these different stages of care.

Despite being the third most diagnosed cancer across Australia, bowel cancer patients often do not receive the same level of support as those with other common cancers. But Bowel Cancer Australia is bridging this gap through funding dedicated in-person nurse positions.

“Bowel Cancer Australia is committed to championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life. The charity’s 100% community funded specialist Bowel Care Nurse Program that enabled this position forms a vital part of this commitment,” said Claire Annear, Strategic Stakeholder and Community Engagement Manager, Bowel Cancer Australia.

Every bowel cancer patient deserves to have access to a dedicated Bowel Care Nurse.

As part of Bowel Cancer Australia’s wider Specialist Support Services team, Kristie will be able to leverage the organisation’s comprehensive support network and extensive information resources to help patients across the Loddon Mallee region, Ms Annear added.

The community’s generosity, together with Bowel Cancer Australia’s commitment will ensure that cancer care is strengthened and more accessible for people affected by bowel cancer and their families in the Loddon Mallee region.