Beating Bowel Cancer: Prevention, Detection, Treatment

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07/04/23

"80 people die of bowel cancer each week. The good news is that bowel cancer is preventable if detected early, and bowel screening is effective in reducing the incidence of bowel cancer when it is offered at regular intervals." Federal Health Minister The Hon. Ms Tanya Plibersek

In parts of rural and remote Australia bowel cancer is the number one cause of death from disease. Bowel cancer is recognised as a major health issue in Australia, with 274 new cases diagnosed each week. Also known as colorectal cancer, it is the most common, potentially fatal cancer diagnosed in Australian men and women and the second most fatal cancer after lung cancer.

New Zealand and Australia have the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world; a $1 billion financial burden annually. Screening practices for bowel cancer by everyone in primary health care actively prevents the incidence of this disease, reducing mortality by up to 40% in people screened.

This program will cover the importance of regular bowel cancer screening, preventative measures, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and new developments. It will clarify additions to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) from the 2012 Budget for health care professionals.

The program examines how a multidisciplinary approach is effective for optimal patient care.

Produced by the Rural Health Education Foundation
http://www.rhef.com.au/