Townsville clinicians urge community to screen for bowel cancer

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) clinicians are urging north Queenslanders to take bowel cancer screening seriously, reminding the community that early detection can save lives and significantly reduce the need for intensive treatment.

With bowel cancer affecting people of all ages, clinicians are encouraging eligible residents to complete their free screening kits, while urging anyone experiencing changes in their bowel habits to seek medical advice.

Townsville HHS clinical nurse consultant for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Susan Soermo said screening was one of the most important steps people could take to protect themselves against bowel cancer.

“Screening participation is sitting at around 37 per cent, and we really need that figure to be much higher,” Ms Soermo said.

“Screening can pick up blood in your stool that you might not otherwise notice, helping us identify potential problems early, including polyps before they develop into cancer.

“If you receive a screening kit in the mail, don't put it in the bathroom drawer and forget about it. Take it seriously and get it done.

“And if you've got an old kit that's expired, you can request another one by ringing 1800 627 701. It's never too late to take that first step.”

Under the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, Australians aged 45 to 49 can ring 1800 627 701 to request a free screening kit, while those aged 50 to 74 are automatically sent one every two years.

Ms Soermo said it was equally important for people of all ages to recognise potential warning signs, including blood in their stool, increased mucus or changes in their bowel habits or unintentional weight loss.

“People need to know what's normal for them and take notice when something changes,” she said.

“Don't ignore it and don't be embarrassed. If something doesn't feel right, have a chat with your GP, regardless of your age.”

Townsville HHS clinical director of radiation oncology and Associate Professor at James Cook University A/Prof. Timothy Squire said detecting bowel cancer early could make a significant difference to the treatment patients required.

“When bowel cancer is detected at an early stage, it can sometimes be treated with surgery alone,” A/Prof. Squire said.

“But when the disease is more advanced, patients may need larger operations and additional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“Those treatments can be very effective, but detecting cancer early gives patients the best opportunity to avoid more complex treatment.

“Ultimately, cancer treatment can have a significant impact on your work, family and social life, so if we can identify problems early and avoid that, it's better for everyone.”

Townsville HHS senior medical oncologist and Professor at James Cook University Professor Sabe Sabesan said it was important to recognise that bowel cancer was not exclusively a disease affecting older Australians.

“Younger people need to take symptoms seriously too, particularly if they have a family history of bowel cancer,” Professor Sabesan said.

“The earlier we identify and treat bowel cancer, the better the opportunities for successful treatment.

“Even in some cases where cancer has spread, there are treatment options available, but the message is always the same: don't ignore the warning signs.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important, including regular exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption,” Professor Sabesan said.

For more information about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program or to request a free screening kit, visit health.gov.au.