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.
Our qualified Bowel Care Nutritionists provide advice and guidance that’s practical, sustainable and evidence based when helping patients rediscover their appetite for food, during treatment and in recovery.
“A diagnosis of bowel cancer will involve a change to diet and lifestyle. You may not be able to tolerate some of the foods you once enjoyed, and your new bowel habit might be hard to come to terms with,” says Janet.
“Families, friends and carers also require support and practical advice to assist in meal preparation when caring for a bowel cancer patient,” Joanne added.
Offering tailored nutritional support, Bowel Cancer Australia’s Bowel Care Nutritionists can also assist with personalised menu planning and cooking tips, including how to modify your favourite recipes.
International research shows that people affected by bowel cancer face multiple nutritional challenges, including being unsure about what to eat, diarrhoea, appetite loss, and changes to taste and smell.
Yet they receive little or no nutritional information following diagnosis and treatment.
Australians also report going without vital nutritional advice and support.
Bowel Cancer Australia has been providing specialist telehealth services tailored to the unique needs of people impacted by bowel cancer throughout the country since 2011, long before it became common practice.
Despite being the fourth most diagnosed cancer, bowel cancer patients don’t receive the same level of support as other common cancers.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s specialist telehealth service helps address this gap, enabling equity of access to personalised care and tailored support nationwide.
You can email Bowel Cancer Australia’s Bowel Care Nutritionists any time for advice or to request a callback or face-to-face video call.
Please send your questions using the form below and you will receive a response within 2 working days.
1800 727 336
Monday to Friday, during business hours
Other languages – call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 then ask for 1800 727 336 Hearing or speech assistance – contact us through the National Relay Service then ask for 1800 727 336