Wednesday, 8 June 2022

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Mr ERDOGAN (Southern Metropolitan) (09:45): June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. In this month it is vital that we support the work of Bowel Cancer Australia by wearing the green apple ribbon and raising awareness about bowel cancer. Bowel cancer remains the third most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia. It is a disease that has touched many families, including my own. There is a common misconception that it is an older person’s disease, but this is simply not the case. Over 15 000 Australians of all ages are newly diagnosed each year, and 5000 Australians each year die from bowel cancer. However, long-term survival rates are dramatically improved amongst people who are diagnosed early. Ninety per cent of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully if detected early enough.

Bowel cancer can be an awkward topic to discuss, but that is why this month is so important. It is an opportunity to encourage all Victorians to learn more about the risks for bowel cancer and the importance of testing when people notice changes in their own health. Testing can now be done in a non-invasive way. This test is one of the most important tools we have for preventing death from bowel cancer. On that note I would like to acknowledge their work and thank Bowel Cancer Australia for all the work that they do every month of the year to raise awareness, promote resources and support people and families affected by bowel cancer.