Bowel Cancer in Australia: More Than Meets the Eye
Bowel cancer remains a significant health concern for Australians, ranking as the second-deadliest cancer in the country. The statistics are stark: one in 16 Australians will face a diagnosis during their lifetime, and tragically, over 5,200 lives are lost to this disease annually. Despite its widespread impact, a concerning level of misunderstanding persists. Many incorrectly assume bowel cancer is a condition predominantly affecting those over 50 or individuals with a known family history. While age and genetics undeniably play a role in increasing risk, the full picture is far more nuanced.
Alarmingly, bowel cancer has emerged as the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25 to 54. A substantial proportion, around 12 per cent of annual diagnoses, occur in individuals under the age of 50, highlighting that this disease is not confined to older demographics. The recent passing of renowned relationship expert Mel Schilling, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in her early 50s and subsequently developed brain cancer, has brought this issue into sharp focus. Her death has prompted widespread inquiry into the signs of bowel cancer and whether symptoms manifest differently between men and women.
Recognising the Warning Signs
According to Associate Professor Graham Newstead, Medical Director at Bowel Cancer Australia, several key symptoms warrant attention. These include:
- Blood in stool: This is a primary indicator that should never be ignored.
- Severe or ongoing cramping: Persistent abdominal discomfort can be a sign of underlying issues.
- Unexplained weight loss: A significant drop in weight without dietary changes or increased exercise warrants medical investigation.
- Extreme unexplained tiredness: Persistent fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest can be a symptom.
- Swelling of the abdomen: Any unusual distension or bloating should be discussed with a doctor.
Professor Newstead also stresses the importance of noticing any changes in bowel habits. “That could be diarrhoea, constipation, feeling of incomplete evacuation from your lower rectum,” he advises. “If you have any of these symptoms, and they last for more than a week, go straight to your doctor.”
The increasing incidence of bowel cancer in younger populations is a significant concern, largely attributed to a lack of awareness. “In the last 20 years, bowel cancers in people under 50 have been increasing,” Professor Newstead explains. “But people in their 30s and 40s don’t think about bowel cancer. GPs, until recently, have not been taught that bowel cancer occurs in young people unless there’s a genetic history.”
While men over 50 are more frequently diagnosed on average, bowel cancer is by no means exclusive to them. In fact, Professor Newstead points out that in younger age groups, slightly more women are developing the disease.
Do Symptoms Differ Between Genders?
Generally, the fundamental symptoms of bowel cancer do not vary significantly between men and women. However, Professor Newstead highlights a potential pitfall for women, particularly those experiencing perimenopause or irregular menstrual cycles. They might inadvertently attribute signs of blood or severe cramping to their menstrual period, potentially delaying crucial medical checks.
Similarly, pregnant women, especially those starting families later in life, may also overlook or misinterpret symptoms. Professor Newstead offers a cautionary hypothetical: “Let’s say [theoretically] someone is eight months pregnant, and they think, ‘Oh, dear. I’ve seen a bit of blood’. They go to their GP, who says, ‘You’re 38 years of age and eight months pregnant, you have haemorrhoids’. Then, a month later, she has her baby, and six months later, she dies from secondary cancer in the liver. Don’t assume any bleeding is haemorrhoids.”
Kate Broun, Head of Screening, Early Detection and Immunisation at Cancer Council Victoria, echoes this sentiment. She emphasises that women must pay close attention to anything that seems abnormal and avoid dismissing symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding as solely related to their menstrual cycles.
“For women, it’s important that they present anything that’s unusual for them, or anything that’s changed and has persisted for a couple of weeks, to their doctor as soon as possible,” Ms. Broun advises. “Women are often so busy, and it can be easily dismissed as potential perimenopause.” She suggests that if in doubt, calling the Cancer Council helpline on 13 11 20 is a valuable step.
The Power of Early Detection and Treatment
The statistics surrounding bowel cancer can seem daunting, but Bowel Cancer Australia data offers a powerful message of hope: nearly 99 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated with early detection.
“The earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat,” Ms. Broun states. “The main treatment for early bowel cancer is surgery and, hopefully, if it’s found in those early stages, that’s all that’s needed.”
For bowel cancer diagnosed at later stages, more intensive treatments may be necessary, including radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The specific treatment plan will be individualised and can vary significantly from person to person.
Proactive Screening: Your Best Defence
In Australia, a vital national screening program is in place. Individuals aged 50 to 74 receive a free bowel cancer screening test in the mail every two years from the government. A significant advancement has been made, with individuals aged 45 to 49 now able to opt in to have these tests mailed to them as of July 2024. Ms. Broun strongly encourages anyone within this age bracket to take advantage of this opportunity.
Crucially, Professor Newstead reiterates that even individuals under 50 must remain vigilant about potential symptoms and seek medical advice if any arise. “You can go to a chemist any time you like, at any age, and buy the tests over the counter,” he says. “You’re a crazy person if you don’t do your screening. They may not be perfect, but they’re sure better than doing nothing.”
These screening tests are invaluable, Ms. Broun explains, not only for their ability to detect bowel cancer in its nascent stages but also for their potential to prevent the disease altogether by identifying early warning signs, such as very subtle bleeding. “And of course, bowel cancer can develop without symptoms as well,” she adds.
If a screening test yields a positive result, or if you present with concerning symptoms to your GP, the next step will typically involve a colonoscopy. This common and important procedure allows for a thorough examination of the entire inner lining of the large intestine, enabling the identification of abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, and cancerous growths.
Making informed decisions about your health, including regular screening and prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms, is paramount in the fight against bowel cancer.
