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.
In March 2024, Bowel Cancer Australia along with co-chairs Mr Steve Georganas MP and the Hon Dr David Gillespie MP launched the Parliamentary Friends of Bowel Cancer, a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with Bowel Cancer Australia and discuss matters relating to bowel cancer.
The Group was formed following the inaugural 2023 Call on Canberra event where early-onset patients met with MPs and Senators.
Two patients attending the launch informed the Group of the impact of early-onset bowel cancer as well as the opportunities and policy priorities that can improve health outcomes for those impacted by the disease.
Despite Australia experiencing a decline in bowel cancer incidence and mortality in people aged 50 and over, there is an alarming increase in early-onset bowel cancer (i.e. in those aged under 50).
“We are grateful to Mr Georganas and Dr Gillespie for co-chairing the Parliamentary Friends of Bowel Cancer and for the support of MPs and Senators in joining the Group,” said Bowel Cancer Australia CEO, Julien Wiggins.
“Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer and the sixth leading cause of death overall for Australians aged 25-44,” he continued.
“Younger people are more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, increasing the likelihood of aggressive treatment with physical, psychosocial, and quality of life outcomes that are uniquely challenging, especially with regards to fertility and ostomy management,” he added.
Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.
Learn more about how your support of Bowel Cancer Australia is contributing in a meaningful and impactful way that produces measurable benefits.