Each year, close to 15,000 Australians are told they have bowel cancer. Bowel cancer patients are often faced with unique challenges and their journey can vary greatly from other cancers.

This World Cancer Day, meet Rachel, Sue and Sunette, who are making a difference in the lives of residents in their local communities who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

As specialist Bowel Care Nurses at Icon Cancer Centres in Revesby, Mackay and Rockingham, Rachel, Sunette and Sue are dedicated to supporting bowel cancer patients and their families.

Providing care coordination, direct patient care, emotional support and assisting patients in navigating a sometimes-complex health system, enabling them to take a more active role in their treatment, and improving bowel cancer outcomes by identifying and bridging gaps in the patient journey.

In 2024, Bowel Cancer Australia and Icon Cancer Centre partnered to place specialist Bowel Care Nurses in select Icon cancer centres across Australia. For the past six months, Rachel, Sunette and Sue have been caring for local bowel cancer patients in the Canterbury-Bankstown (NSW), Mackay (QLD) and Rockingham (WA) regions.

“Access to a nurse specialist by phone or in-person has been identified by more than eight in ten (83%) bowel cancer patients as an important resource to improve care coordination,” says Bowel Cancer Australia CEO, Julien Wiggins.

Tuesday 4 February 2025 is World Cancer Day. The World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027, “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.

At Bowel Cancer Australia and Icon Cancer Centre, we know a person-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.


Meet Rachel: in-person specialist Bowel Care Nurse for Canterbury-Bankstown bowel cancer patients.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is being there for my patients, offering a listening ear and providing support,” says Rachel.

“It’s fulfilling to find ways to ease their cancer journey and reduce their stress. The relief I see on their faces when they realise that they don’t have to face this challenge alone is incredibly rewarding.”

Rachel recalls one patient, a man in his forties with two young daughters, who she recently supported through his bowel cancer journey.

“He had been informed he would need chemotherapy, which really heightened his anxiety. I was able to provide extensive education about chemotherapy and consistent support throughout his treatment, to help him through the process,” says Rachel.

“He recently received the wonderful news that there is no cancer present, and he has transitioned into our survivorship program. Experiences like this underscore the importance of empathy, open communication and collaboration in healthcare.

“Supporting a patient through a challenging time often teaches us as much as it does the patient, creating memories that shape our approach to future care.”

Through her role, Rachel is raising awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding bowel cancer, so more people feel comfortable seeking medical advice and participating in screening programs, which are vital for early detection and better outcomes for bowel cancer patients.

She is also keen to clear up the common misconception that bowel cancer is a disease that only affects older adults. In fact, bowel cancer is now the deadliest cancer and the seventh underlying cause of death overall for Australians aged 25-44.

“In reality, while the risk increases with age, bowel cancer can affect younger people too and we’ve seen the rates of bowel cancer in people under 50 rising in recent years,” says Rachel.

“Early screening is recommended for those with a family history or other risk factors, regardless of age.”


Meet Sunette: in-person specialist Bowel Care Nurse for Rockingham bowel cancer patients.

“My role is very rewarding, as I am able to connect with patients on a personal and emotional level to make a difference in their cancer care journey and hopefully contribute to better health outcomes for them,” says Sunette.

“I am proud to be a constant, dedicated point of contact for our patients during what is a difficult time in their lives.”

Through her role, Sunette is raising awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding bowel cancer, so more people feel comfortable seeking medical advice and participating in screening programs, which are vital for early detection and better outcomes for bowel cancer patients.

“I think there is still a misconception that if you don’t have a family history of bowel cancer, you won’t get it and you don’t need to be screened,” says Sunette.

“In fact, most new cases occur in people without any family history and everyone’s personal risk is different. We are also seeing an increase in the number of bowel cancer patients aged under 45-years-old. So, if you have symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.”


Meet Sue: in-person specialist Bowel Care Nurse for Mackay bowel cancer patients.

“I have so many patients who inspire me due to their positive approaches and resilience in the face of a life-changing cancer diagnosis,” says Sue.

“Each day in my role is different as each patient with a diagnosis of bowel cancer is unique. I spend time with each patient to discuss their individual needs and support them to set realistic goals that will help them during their bowel cancer journey.”

Icon Cancer Centre Mackay patient, Karen Worcester knows all too well the challenges faced by bowel cancer patients. Karen (61) was diagnosed with a stage 3 rectal tumour in November 2023.

Karen underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy at Icon Mackay, before undergoing surgery in August 2024.

“From the moment we were introduced, Sue has been in constant touch, lining me up with stoma nurses before and after my operation, researching physiotherapists and dieticians to help my recovery, and she put me in touch with Bowel Cancer Australia for any further assistance I may need. I can’t thank her enough,” says Karen.

“Sue’s support has been invaluable, and she has played a major part in me getting through and dealing with my cancer journey.”

Through her role, Sue is raising awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding bowel cancer, so more people feel comfortable seeking medical advice and participating in screening programs, which are vital for early detection and better outcomes for bowel cancer patients.

She is also keen to clear up the common misconception that bowel cancer is a disease that only affects older adults. In fact, bowel cancer is now the deadliest cancer and the seventh underlying cause of death overall for Australians aged 25-44.

“Early detection is so important when it comes to achieving good outcomes for bowel cancer patients,” says Sue.

“I think there are still misconceptions relating to early onset bowel cancer, which are leading to delays in diagnosis in the under 40 years age group. Bowel cancer can impact anyone at any age.”

Approximately 86% of people diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer experience symptoms.


These appointments were made possible through funding from the Dry July Foundation.

Published: February 3, 2025

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