June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
Every June, Australians come together to recognise Bowel Cancer Awareness Month—a crucial time to shine a light on one of the country’s deadliest yet most preventable cancers. At Ocean Medical, Bondi’s local GP medical centre team on Bondi Road, we’re passionate about raising awareness, early bowel cancer detection and prevention. With our new pathology service 4cyte pathology open five days a week and our Bondi GP team offering Saturday GP appointments, there’s never been a better time to get screened.
Bowel Cancer in Australia: The Facts
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Bowel cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Australia, claiming over 5,300 lives each year.
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Around 15,500 Australians are diagnosed annually.
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Alarmingly, bowel cancer is on the rise among younger adults under 50, making early screening more essential than ever.
At our Bondi medical centre, your local Bondi GP & doctors teams is experienced in bowel health and offers access to early screening and expert guidance.
How is Bowel Cancer Most Commonly Detected in Bondi?
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) remains the most accessible and widely used screening tool. The National Bowel cancer program beings at age 45 to 74 are eligible for free government-issued tests every two years. Bowel cancer screening is now recommended from age 45 but younger individuals with risk factors can also access testing via 4Cyte Pathology, our trusted local pathology team offering sample collection five days a week.
If abnormalities are found, a colonoscopy—the gold standard diagnostic tool—is recommended for further evaluation.
Bowel Cancer vs Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Key Differences
While both conditions affect the bowel, they are distinct in cause and treatment:
| Feature | Bowel Cancer | Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Types | Adenocarcinoma | Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis |
| Cause | Genetic mutations, toxins, polyps | Autoimmune response, genetic predisposition |
| Symptoms | Rectal bleeding, weight loss, anaemia | Chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency |
| Age Group | Increasing in under-50s | Often diagnosed before age 35 |
| Screening | FIT test, colonoscopy | Not a screening condition; diagnosed via colonoscopy |
| Risk of Cancer | High if undetected | Elevated risk over time, especially with UC |
Common Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
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Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
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Unexplained weight loss
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Change in bowel habits
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Fatigue or iron-deficiency anaemia
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Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
If you experience any of these, consult your Bondi GP team. Early intervention can be lifesaving.
Pathology & Diagnostic Investigations for Bowel Cancer
1. Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
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Pros: Non-invasive, free for eligible patients, convenient home test
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Cons: Can miss early or low-bleeding cancers; positive tests require colonoscopy
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Limitation: Not useful for detecting polyps that don’t bleed
2. Colonoscopy (Gold Standard)
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Pros: Visualises entire colon, allows for biopsy and polyp removal
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Cons: Requires bowel prep, sedation, small procedural risk
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Limitation: Not routinely offered without symptoms or positive FIT
3. Blood Tests (FBC, CEA Tumour Marker)
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Helpful in detecting anaemia or monitoring treatment, but not diagnostic
At our local Bondi medical centre on Bondi Road, we work closely with specialist gastroenterologist and hospital clinic to streamline access to these tests and better outcomes.
Younger Australians are Getting Bowel Cancer Earlier
Alarmingly, the prevalence of bowel cancer under age 50 is increasing in Australia!
Emerging research points to:
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Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity
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Delayed screening, especially under 50s
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Genetic predisposition, including Lynch syndrome
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Microbiome imbalances linked to harmful bacterial by-products
New Research: E. coli and Colibactin
Studies show that certain strains of E. coli in the gut produce colibactin, a toxin that damages DNA and may trigger mutations leading to bowel cancer. This discovery highlights the importance of gut health, especially in younger people with no obvious risk factors.
Saturday Appointments Available
Busy during the week? We offer Saturday appointments with experienced Bondi GPs, including female doctors, to suit your schedule and ensure you stay on top of your health.
Take Charge of Your Gut Health Today
Early detection can save lives. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want peace of mind, book your screening with a Bondi doctor today. Don’t wait—your health matters.
📍 Conveniently located on Bondi Road
🧪 Pathology collections 5 days a week
🕘 Open six days a week, including Saturdays
👩⚕️ Friendly, experienced female and male GPs
Book your appointment with your local trusted Bondi doctors & GP team.
