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.
Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon in Sydney at the Northern Beaches Hospital and Prince of Wales Private Hospital.
She is the founder of My Sydney Surgeon, Sydney Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI) Specialists, and a member of the Australian Multidisciplinary Working Group for Anal Cancer Prevention in Australia.
She is passionate about providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and innovative care for all her patients.
Her areas of expertise include all aspects of colorectal surgery including robotic and laparoscopic surgery as well as being a Certified Endoscopist and Colonoscopist by the Conjoint Committee of Australia..
Dr De Lacavalerie completed her basic surgical training in London and Essex, England. She then migrated to Australia where she completed her general surgery fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
Following this, she undertook four years of research on biomarkers of response to chemoradiation in rectal cancer, for which she received various grants and scholarships including the prestigious NHMRC Clinical Postgraduate Scholarship for her PhD studies at The Garvan Institute of Medical Research. She has published multiple papers and is a Cochrane collaboration author..
After her research years she continued onto a further two years training in advanced colorectal surgery in Sydney, including a twelve-month robotic colorectal fellowship accredited by the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ).
Currently her main research interest is in the diagnoses, screening and treatment of HPV related anal dysplasia and anal cancer in high-risk populations and finding innovative ways to bring awareness about the screening, diagnoses and treatment of bowel and anal cancer.
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