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.
Each year people living with or beyond early-onset bowel cancer, caregivers and advocates from across the country descend on Australian Parliament House for Bowel Cancer Australia’s preeminent advocacy event – Call on Canberra.
Advocates attend meetings with MPs and Senators, sharing their lived experience and raising awareness of the critical policy asks needed to improve health outcomes.
We have already made significant inroads as we know that a shared voice and purpose is a powerful tool.
Through Call on Canberra: Action on Early-onset Bowel Cancer our collective voices and lived experiences have lead the way to engage decision makers, and ultimately secure commitments to act on behalf of the over 1,700 Australians diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer each year.
The energy is palpable, and the direct impact of our advocacy efforts speak for themselves.
Collectively we continue to advocate for greater awareness (especially among GPs), rapid referrals, implementing a lower screening start age, improved pathways, as well as further research to help build a path towards a cure.
Bowel Cancer Australia continues to put early-onset bowel cancer on the national agenda and is calling for action to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment and care pathways for younger people.