Bowel cancer – kills more than conversation

New research finds knowledge of bowel cancer “alarmingly low”.

Just one in 10 name bowel cancer as a major health concern despite the high number of cases and deaths, and only half of those at risk are considering testing.

For many Australians any discussion of Australia’s second deadliest cancer, bowel cancer, is a guaranteed conversation killer.

Research conducted by ANOP, Australian strategic market research conultancy, on the attitudes and behaviours of 45 to 75 year olds show alarmingly low levels of awareness and understanding about bowel cancer in this at risk age group, with 44% saying they are uninformed.

Only 11% of respondents identified bowel cancer as one of the top three health issues, despite Australia having one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world.

Most alarming was the finding that only half of respondents said they were likely to consider testing for bowel cancer in the next few years – with just 30% saying they had had a test in recent years.

Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death among men and women, claiming the lives of 90 people every week yet nearly half of this at risk age group do not know or are unsure of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.

According to Dr Cameron Bell, a leading gastroenterologist and board member of Bowel Cancer and Digestive Research Institute Australia, bowel cancer is the ultimate conversation stopper.

“One in 21 Australians will get bowel cancer at some point in their life, yet it is a disease many people do not like to discuss. This is resulting in inaction which is costing lives,” he said.

“This is a critical health issue which must be addressed – literally thousands of lives could be saved if we can get over our reluctance to talk about bowel cancer and increase awareness and screening for this disease.

“Early detection improves the chances of survival, with most people being able to return to their current quality of life,” he said.