Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon or rectum; it may also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is located.
Bowel cancer screening is for people who do not already have bowel cancer, symptoms of bowel cancer, or any reason to have a high risk of bowel cancer.
Patient-centred care is healthcare that is respectful of, and responsive to, the preferences, needs and values of patients and consumers.
Bowel Cancer Australia provides essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support, as well as a national Peer-to-Peer Support Network and Buddy Program.
Bowel Cancer Australia funds research that has the potential to improve survival and/or help build a path toward a cure and integrates published research into our awareness, advocacy, and support strategies.
Bowel Cancer Australia relies upon donations and the support of hard working and enthusiastic fundraisers across the country to continue our life saving work. We raise funds to continue our life-saving work and inspire others to do the same, so everyone affected by bowel cancer can live their best life.
As the CEO of Australia’s leading bowel cancer organisation, Julien Wiggins draws on his economics, law and government background when addressing one of the most challenging public health issues.
Under his leadership, Bowel Cancer Australia realised its long-term goal of funding the $10.4 million Lawrence Penn Chair in Bowel Cancer Research at the University of Sydney as well as investing $3 million to establish an inaugural Early-Onset Bowel Cancer Centre of Research Excellence.
In addition, Julien initiated and co-convened the inaugural Early-Onset Bowel Cancer Research Symposium and was a member of the planning committee for the Global Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank.
Another important initiative was the establishment of the charity’s national specialist telehealth support services – Bowel Care Nurses, Nutritionists, Psychosocial support, Exercise Physiology and peer support programs.
Additionally, Julien has been instrumental in the pharmacy-based BowelScreen Australia and BowelScreen Aotearoa programs; the charity’s pre-eminent annual advocacy event, Call on Canberra; development of the Never2Young CPD Series; Virtual Early-Onset Metastatic Bowel Cancer Multidisciplinary Advisory Team; and a world-first global standard set of patient outcome measures.
Bowel Cancer Australia was named Best Small Charity of the Year 2019 at the national Third Sector Awards in recognition of its contribution to the sector in a meaningful and impactful way that produces measurable benefits.
The charity’s strong, clear and purposeful vision and mission; engagement of stakeholders through innovative and unique marketing initiatives; impactful collaborations that drive organisational purpose; and design of solutions based on system-level change were all cited as reasons why it was chosen as the inaugural recipient.
In 2017, Bowel Cancer Australia was named NGO of the Year at the PRIME Annual Awards – the third time the charity has been recognised by PRIME for excellence.
Determined to create positive change across the care continuum, Julien continues to lead the call for investment to better understand and address the rising rates of early-onset bowel cancer; timely access to colonoscopy; increased availability of affordable treatments options; as well as the implementation of patient-reported measures.
For assistance with media enquiries, including arranging interviews with any of our team (e.g. specialists, nurses, nutritionists, CEO) patients or loved ones from around Australia.