Latest news with #BowelCancerAustralia
7NEWS
a day ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Adelaide mum-of-three's message for all Australians as she faces her 50th round of chemotherapy after dismissing bowel cancer symptoms
An Adelaide mother-of-three is calling on all Australians to change the way they go about a daily habit after her own cancer symptoms were dismissed. Paediatric nurse Nina Distano was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in April 2020. Five years on, Distano is still undergoing treatment with plenty of support from her family, her husband Aaron and her three teenagers, Ben 18, Luisa 16 and Gabe 13. When she first became sick, Distano said there were other health issues that masked the start of her symptoms, including low iron from her vegetarian diet and bleeding which she thought was just previous hemorrhoids. 'The cause was put down to a combination of slightly heavier periods leading into menopause as well as a predominantly vegetarian diet.,' she told 'There had been occasional blood on the toilet paper but having had three children, I suffered from hemorrhoids as well as being prone to constipation so between the two, I dismissed that sign. 'Getting closer to diagnosis, I was having abdominal pains and weight loss but between shift work and the stress of working in the health system at that time, my eating pattern was irregular so I could also explain that away. 'It took a lot of blood in the toilet one day to get me back to my GP. This prompted a colonoscopy which led to my diagnosis.' Battling the cancer head on, Distano said her medical team were optimistic about her recovery. But sadly, the cancer returned and is now stage four. 'My best hope now is to keep it under control for as long as possible,' Distano said. 'My ongoing treatment has included two major abdominal surgeries to remove many of my internal organs and I am coming up to my 50th cycle of chemotherapy. The treatment and surgeries have left me with a multitude of health problems including a colostomy bag, surgical menopause and numbness in my hands and feet.' Distano told that she and her husband have tried to keep their life as normal as possible, with difficult conversations likely to come. She said watching other bowel cancer patients, who were also her friends, die from the disease was 'heartbreaking'. 'My husband has had to care for me when I have been recovering from surgery and when I have chemo. My kids have had to see me extremely unwell and in pain and we are constantly trying to keep away from infections,' she said. 'We have had some difficult conversations — but to be honest the worst are probably yet to come. 'I've lost so many friends along the way who I have met through the bowel cancer community and seen them say goodbye to their loved ones way too soon. It is heartbreaking.' Distano is speaking out ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness month in June, which South Australian-made toilet paper brand Kleenex is using to team up with Bowel Cancer Australia to raise awareness about one of Australia's deadliest cancer. Kleenex rolls will now encourage millions of Aussies to break the taboo and 'check their poo' for bowel cancer symptoms. For those who may not know what to look for, has been launched to help educate and raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and encourage people to take action. Distano told she wished she knew what the symptoms were earlier. 'I wish I knew the signs and symptoms. I would've pushed harder earlier if I'd known that what I was experiencing was not normal and that it is not an old man's disease,' she said. Adam Carpenter, a mill manager at Kimberly-Clark Australia (parent group of Kleenex), said he was very supportive of the campaign to help spread awareness of bowel cancer. 'We're incredibly proud to support the team at Bowel Cancer Australia, using our Kleenex loo rolls to help address some of the bathroom blind spots when it comes to bowel cancer symptom awareness,' he said. 'Thousands of Aussies already trust Kleenex in the bathroom — and this crucial initiative transforms the humble loo roll into a bowel cancer awareness game-changer that helps Aussies to break the poo taboo. 'This is a natural step and partnership for Kleenex, and we hope it contributes to driving awareness, particularly as we head into Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June.' Australians are also reminded that not everyone will experiences symptoms, particularly in the early stages of bowel cancer. Distano told it was time to get past the taboo. 'Check your poo. Be aware that any blood in your poo is not normal,' she said. 'It might just be haemorrhoids, but the only sure-fire way to know is via a colonoscopy. 'And, the bonus is, if it is polyps or early-stage bowel cancer, then it can be stopped in its tracks — early detection is key. 'With low iron, so many woman I know have this and it is never fully investigated. Please push until the cause is found. 'Changes to bowel habit, constipation to diarrhea or vice-versa, an urge to go but unable to, skinny 'ribbon-like' poo, all needs to be investigated.' Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest in Australia. Nearly 15,000 Australians are told every year they have bowel cancer, with just over 5,000 people per year losing their lives to it. Common symptoms can include: Blood in your poo or rectal bleeding Bright red or very dark blood should never be ignored A recent, persistent change in bowel habit such as looser, more diarrhea-like poo, constipation, or going to the toilet more often, or trying to go — irregularity in someone whose bowel habits have previously been regular A change in shape or appearance of your poo For example, narrower poos than usual or mucus in poo Frequent gas pain, cramps A feeling of fullness or bloating in the bowel or rectum Unexplained anaemia A low red blood count causing tiredness, weakness or weight loss A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after going to the toilet Pain or a lump in the anus or rectum Abdominal pain or swelling Those concerned about their health should consult with their medical practitioner. New research from PureProfile, which surveyed more than 1,000 Australians on their bathroom habits, also revealed a grim reality. A majority admitted to never looking for any signs of issues, with nearly three-quarters (73.6 per cent) of respondents admitting they aren't checking their poo for possible signs of bowel cancer. Whilst almost half (43.2 per cent) are unable to correctly identify three key bowel cancer symptoms. Two-in-five (38.6 per cent) respondents indicated they were uncomfortable talking about their bowel habit with their family, while more than a quarter (26.8 per cent) are uncomfortable talking about it with their doctor. CEO of Bowel Cancer Australia, Julien Wiggins said the partnership with Kleenex will raise vital awareness for the cancer. 'We are delighted to be partnering with Kleenex for this innovative campaign, raising much-needed awareness around Australia's second-deadliest cancer — bowel cancer,' he said.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Australia sets grim new world's worst cancer rate - as the possible reasons for the surge in cases are revealed
Young Aussies have been warned they are facing a 'stark reality' and to be vigilant for symptoms as cases of a serious form of cancer surge. New research from the University of Melbourne unveiled this week revealed that bowel cancer diagnoses have more than doubled for Australians below the age of 50 over the last three decades. The study found that more than 28,265 Aussies aged 20-49 were diagnosed with 49 early-onset bowel cancer between 1990 and 2020. The authors suggested that, during the same period, there has been an increase in cases which resulted in an additional 4347 diagnosed with the early-onset condition. Bowel Cancer Australia advocate Stephanie Bansemer-Brown was 42 when she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2012. 'The GP dismissed my symptoms as haemorrhoids and put my tiredness down to being a busy mother of a toddler,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'I knew something wasn't right with my body so eventually I insisted on a colonoscopy.' Ms Bansemer-Brown was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer and had extensive surgery followed by chemotherapy. 'I am lucky I pushed for further investigation otherwise my now-teenage son would have been without a mother. That is the stark reality,' she said. Earlier this year, a global study published in The Lancet found Australia has the highest rates of early-onset bowel cancer in the world, with a faster surge in cases found among women. But Professor Mark Jenkins from University of Melbourne's colorectal cancer unit has warned the cause of the increasing number of cases remains unclear. 'More and more people are diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer each year and we don't know why,' he told ABC Radio National. 'Probably the strongest theory at the moment is it's something to do with the bacteria in our gut, which we call the microbiome... Maybe they've become more toxic.' Professor Jenkins and his colleagues have also looked at theories centred on trends of increasing obesity and decreasing physical activity among Australians. He also suggested there are theories focused on the decline in aspirin use during childhood, which protects people from the cancer, and the presence of microplastics in food. 'But it could be something else completely. It could be an unknown factor that we haven't thought of,' he said. Professor Jenkins and other advocates have urged Aussies to be aware of 'red flags' ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in June. Those aged 45-49 are eligible for the national bowel cancer screening program which helps with diagnosing cases. Younger Aussies are also urged to be vigilant for symptoms including blood in stool, changes to bowel habits and unexplained or unexpected weight loss or tiredness. Twelve years since her diagnosis, Ms Bansemer-Brown shared her story to raise awareness. 'You are never too young for bowel cancer and I encourage everyone to recognise the signs and symptoms,' she said. 'You must be a champion for your own health and if you are not happy with the response then seek another opinion. 'You know your body better than anyone.'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
What are the early signs of bowel cancer? And how can young Australians get tested for it?
Australia is in the unenviable position of having the highest rates of bowel cancer in people under 50 in the world. The perception it is an 'older person's disease' is being overturned. Rates in those over 50 have declined in Australia, while early-onset cases in people under 50 are rising by up to 8% a year. It is the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25 to 44, and the risk of being diagnosed in Australia under the age of 40 has more than doubled since 2000. Experts say they still do not know what has prompted Australians born in the 1990s to be diagnosed at three times the rate of those born in the 1950s. Nevertheless, they say it's important to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms among young people which are often easily dismissed. The most common signs and symptoms of early-onset bowel cancer are blood in the stool, abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss. Bowel Cancer Australia says people should not delay talking to their GP if they are experiencing any of these symptoms for two weeks or more – when diagnosed early, almost 99% of cases can be successfully treated. Although many of the symptoms are common to multiple health concerns, Bowel Cancer Australia urges people not to accept 'you're too young to have bowel cancer' as an explanation for symptoms, and to ask for further investigations. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email A colorectal surgeon and Bowel Cancer Australia's medical director, Associate Prof Graham Newstead, says some people experience no symptoms. The most obvious symptoms tend to emerge as the growth in the bowel from polyp to cancer becomes large enough to partially block the bowel. Thisresults in a change in bowel habit 'that's more than the dinner you ate last night upsetting you'. There are key barriers to early detection – a lack of symptom awareness and stigma among them. Bowel Cancer Australia's chief executive, Julien Wiggins, says the organisation has tried to overcome people's 'taboo around checking their poo'by partnering with Kleenex to create a roll that reminds them to do so. Screening is able to detect small amounts of blood in the stool which has leaked from growths in the bowel – even if you can't see it yourself. The government's national screening program sends at-home test kits to in the mail to every Australian every two years starting from age 50. That runs up until age 74. Since July 2024, 45- to 49-year-olds can opt in to request the test for free, and then will start receiving it every two years. People aged 40 to 44 can go to their GP and request a test. For people under 40, tests have to be bought out of pocket but Bowel Cancer Australia is advocating for lowering the screening age in response to the increasing rates of bowel cancer in younger people. If a test comes back positive, or people notice any other symptoms such as a lump or swelling in the abdomen or extreme tiredness for no reason, they should follow up with a GP who can refer them to get a colonoscopy. Age, family history, hereditary conditions and personal health history can all influence bowel cancer risk – they're known as 'non-modifiable' risk factors because they cannot be changed. There are also modifiable risk factors which can be controlled, including diet and lifestyle choices, as well as screening and surveillance. Alcohol, smoking, eating too much red meat or processed meats and having increased body fat are known to increase risk. One study of more than 540,000 women has found that each 20g of alcohol a day – about the amount found in a large glass of wine – was linked to a 15% higher risk of bowel cancer, while each 30g of red and processed meat a day was linked to an 8% increase in risk of the disease. That same study found each daily 300mg of calcium, about the amount found in half a pint of milk, was associated with a 17% lower risk of bowel cancer – the same decrease Bowel Cancer Australia says is associated with eating at least 90g of wholegrains a day, such as brown rice or wholemeal bread. Recreational physical activity can reduce risk of colon (not rectal) cancer by 16%. Bowel Cancer Australia recommends including dairy products such as low-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese in your daily diet, or considering calcium supplements if you are lactose-intolerant, as well as filling two-thirds or more of your plate with wholegrains, vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts to get more dietary fibre.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling reveals excruciating symptoms she ignored before her shock cancer diagnosis
Married At First Sight's Mel Schilling has revealed the excruciating symptoms she ignored prior to her bowel cancer diagnosis in December 2023. The relationship expert, 53, said she was experiencing significant pain before doctors discovered a 5cm tumour in her ascending colon. 'I had extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, complete loss of appetite, prolonged constipation and eventually, the most extreme abdominal pain,' she told 9Entertainment. 'Looking back, it was on par with contractions during childbirth. I put it all down to a big, busy year and thought I just needed a rest.' Mel has now partnered with Bowel Cancer Australia and Kleenex Australia and launched a campaign urging Aussie to take the uncomfortable step of inspecting their bowel movements for signs of illness. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'The biggest lesson I've learned is that if I'd listened to my body, if I'd paid attention to the signs, I could have avoided so much pain and suffering,' she wrote on social media. Mel urged Australians to look out for the following symptoms - Blood in stools and change in bowel habit, weight loss you can't explain, extreme tiredness for no reason and lump or swelling in your abdomen. The Australian-born reality star said she aims to remove the taboo about openly about the embarrassing topic to raise cancer awareness. 'Perhaps the biggest issue is we are too uncomfortable to talk about our poo. Come on people, we're AUSSIES! Surely, if we can talk openly about sex and money, we can chat about a little poo? Yes?' she wrote. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia back in January, Mel opened up about her health journey. Mel, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer during a busy period of travel between London and Sydney, described how the diagnosis completely shifted her perspective on life. 'I wasn't listening to my body,' she admitted. 'I thought the symptoms—feeling bloated, not sleeping well, and having no appetite—were just jet lag. To find out it was a tumour was such a surprise.' Fortunately, Mel's is on the mend and is still in remission. 'I feel really strong. I've got my energy back, my spunk back—the spring in my step. There's no stopping me now!' she said at the time. Mel also revealed the pivotal role her daughter Maddie, 10, played in her recovery. 'She became my little cheerleader. When I couldn't get out of bed, she'd put on shows for me, singing and dancing. That was her way of coping. It lifted me up so much,' she added. Since going public with her diagnosis, Mel has made it her mission to raise awareness about bowel cancer, particularly for younger people. Having relocated to the UK, Mel confirmed she now calls London home, with her husband Gareth Brisbane, and daughter Maddie settling into school and thriving.
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Australia now has the world's highest rate of bowel cancer for people under 50
Australia now holds a grim record — the highest rate of bowel cancer in people under the age of 50 anywhere in the world. Once considered an 'old person's disease,' it is now the deadliest form of cancer for men under the age of 50, and second deadliest for women under 50. The surge in early-onset cases has prompted health experts and advocacy groups to issue an urgent call to know the signs and push for screening earlier. Andrew Saliba, a father-of-two, was just 36 years old when he noticed something wasn't right. His wife urged him to see a doctor but was told he was too young to be anything serious: 'My wife nagged me to go to the doctor,' Saliba told 7NEWS. 'The doctor said you've probably got haemorrhoids. I got treated for that, and it was still happening. So I went to a second GP, and I pushed for a colonoscopy. 'Once I woke up from that, he informed me that he found something and I had cancer.' The colonoscopy revealed he had stage three bowel cancer. Andrew Saliba's story is becoming more common. Since 2000, bowel cancer diagnoses in Australians under 40 have more than doubled. No one knows exactly why, but experts are sounding the alarm. The research also reveals 28,265 cases of aggressive types of early-onset bowel cancer over the past 30 years, including an estimated 4,347 additional early-onset bowel cancer cases attributable to the rising rates of the disease. 'We don't know why rates are rising,' said Julien Wiggins, CEO of Bowel Cancer Australia. 'Research is very important to address the issue, lowering the screening age is also extremely important.' Currently, Australians over 50 receive free bowel cancer screening kits by mail every two years. However, anyone over 45 can now request a kit through their GP. For many, that earlier option could be life-saving. 'If I waited until the age of 45, it would have been too late for me,' Saliba reflected. Recent findings from Australian researchers show that people born in 1990 are three times more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer than those born in 1950. The reasons remain unclear, but several factors are under investigation including diet, obesity and gut health. 'We're looking closely at things like diet, weight gain, and changes to the gut microbiome,' Professor Mark Jenkins, a leading researcher in the field, told 7NEWS. With no definitive cause identified, awareness is the most powerful tool currently available. Kleenex has now partnered with Bowel Cancer Australia to help raise awareness by printing signs and messages on toilet paper rolls. The campaign aims to prompt Australians to think twice about their symptoms and talk to their doctors. Signs of bowel cancer can include
