Matt’s story

Matt shares his empowering lived experience story and the support he received from specialist Bowel Care Nurse, Paula.

June marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of early detection and support for those affected by one of Australia’s most common cancers.

As part of Bowel Cancer Australia’s signature awareness and fundraising event, Icon Cancer Centre in partnership with Bowel Cancer Australia is proud to share the powerful stories of patients like Matt Duggan, whose courage and determination are helping to change perceptions and save lives.

In April 2024, Matt’s world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer at just 36 years old.

“I had a few symptoms for about a month and decided to get checked. I’m really lucky I listened to my body and my mum, and acted when I did,” Matt shared.

Following surgery to remove a 10cm tumour and affected lymph nodes, Matt began six months of intensive chemotherapy at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart. Now in the surveillance stage of his recovery, he says one of the most critical sources of support during treatment came from his specialist Bowel Care Nurse, Paula Chen.

“Going through chemotherapy was one of the most challenging times of my life, but having Paula as my specialist bowel cancer nurse made all the difference,” said Matt.

“She was compassionate, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive and always there to answer questions, explain treatments, and offer comfort when I needed it most. I truly can’t thank her enough.”
Paula Chen, a Specialist Bowel Care Nurse at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart in partnership with Bowel Cancer Australia, said it was an honour to support Matt throughout his treatment and to witness his strength and commitment to helping others.

“Matt is an inspiration. He’s taken something incredibly difficult and turned it into a message of hope and action for so many others. We are incredibly proud of him,” Paula said.

“He’s brought attention to the fact that bowel cancer can affect young people too, and his advocacy is helping to break down stigma and raise awareness around early detection.”

Highlighting the need for greater awareness and earlier screening for bowel cancer, especially in younger Australians.

“Bowel cancer isn’t just an old person’s disease. I was 36. If this journey helps even one person recognize the symptoms and get checked early, then it’s all been worth it,” he said.

“I believe everyone 18 and older should have access to bowel screening.”

Icon Cancer Centre Hobart site manager Matthew Rundle congratulated Matt on completing the gruelling marathon and for raising awareness around bowel cancer.

“Matt’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From the moment he began treatment, it was clear he was determined not to let cancer define him,” he said.

“At Icon Cancer Centre Hobart, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized care, and Matt’s story is a testament to the power of that support combined with incredible personal resilience. His strength, his advocacy, and his openness in sharing his story will help countless others.

“Matt approached his treatment with positivity and focus, even during the toughest days. Our staff, including his care team and especially Paula, were privileged to walk alongside him on this journey. We couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved.”

Matt credits his wife Kelly and daughter Halle as his biggest motivation.

“It’s been a tough road, but I’ve come out of it with more gratitude, more perspective and hopefully, with a message that helps others.”

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Bowel cancer is the fourth most diagnosed and second deadliest cancer in Australia, yet people diagnosed with bowel cancer don’t receive the same level of support as those with other common cancers.

Bowel Cancer Australia’s specialist Bowel Care Nurse program is helping to address this gap, by funding in-person Bowel Care Nurses in hospitals and Cancer Centres across Australia.

The 100% community funded program enables people with bowel cancer to receive dedicated in-person clinical, psychosocial and emotional support from a specialist Bowel Care Nurse in the place where they are receiving treatment. Improving equity of access to personalised care and tailored support and allowing more people to access coordinated care closer to home.

Bowel Cancer Australia continues to raise funds to expand our specialist Bowel Care Nurses program so more patients can receive support from an in-person Bowel Care Nurse.

Every bowel cancer patient deserves to have access to a dedicated Bowel Care Nurse.