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.
If you have been diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer, you are managed according to clinical practice guidelines that are not age specific.
Until now.
A multidisciplinary international group (DIRECt), composed of a panel of 69 experts, was convened to develop the first evidence-based consensus recommendations for early-onset bowel cancer.
The DIRECt group produced 31 statements across various topics, including: risk factors; symptoms, endoscopic detection, diagnosis, and treatment; genetics; pathology; surgery; oncological treatment; fertility; supportive care; and surveillance.
Each statement underwent three rounds of voting and reached a consensus level of agreement of ≥80%.
The main recommendations were as follows:
There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend changes to established chemotherapy treatment protocols.
The DIRECt group highlighted areas to prioritise in future research, including screening start age for the general population, use of faecal immunochemical tests, chemotherapy, endoscopic therapy, and post-treatment surveillance for early-onset bowel cancer.
As part of our #N2Y Advocacy Agenda, we have summarised the first consensus recommendations for early-onset bowel cancer, helping empower you to be an advocate for your own health.
You are #Never2Young for bowel cancer.