Bowel Cancer awareness month

June is Bowel cancer awareness month.

In raising awareness of the disease we encourage you to know the symptoms of bowel cancer.

The most common symptoms of bowel cancer are:
-Bleeding from the rectum
-A change in bowel habit
-Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
-Unexpected weight loss

Many conditions can cause these symptoms, not just bowel cancer. If you do notice any of these symptoms you should speak to your doctor.

Know the risk factors
-Your risk increases with age - 50 years and over is the higher risk group
-Have you had an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
-Do you have a family history of bowel cancer or polyps
-Excess body fat and physical inactivity
-Alcohol consumption
-Smoking

A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day this Wednesday, the 17 June.

If you are aged over 50 you're at a higher risk of bowel cancer, but the good news is if found early 90% of bowel cancers can be successful treated. If you're aged between 50 and 74 you will receive a free home testing kit from the government. Do the test - it could save your life.

For more information you can visit Bowel cancer Australia web-sight

https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/big-bowel-tour