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You are unique. So is your tumour.

Cancer biomarkers are markers, changes and mutations in genes, DNA or proteins that are found in blood, tissue, or other body fluids and provide valuable information about the characteristics of your tumour.

By testing for biomarkers, your medical team can personalise your treatment based on the unique mutations in your tumour, and help you avoid unnecessary treatment or side effects.

HER2 (also known as ERBB2), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, is a gene that plays a role in the control of cell growth and cell survival. Some cells may have an increased number of copies of the HER2 gene (amplification) which can cause the cells to make too many HER2 receptors (overexpression). When these changes occur, they allow abnormal cell growth and survival.

HER2 is altered in 4.69% of bowel cancer patients with HER2 amplification present in 2.22% of all bowel cancer patients.

Bowel cancer that has HER2 amplification or overexpression can be treated with targeted therapy using HER2 inhibitor drugs.

Amanda shares how having her bowel cancer tumour tested and finding an overexpression of HER2 opened up additional treatment options.

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"I first found out I had bowel cancer August 2021. I was 33 years old and 32 weeks pregnant with our fourth child. 
 
As my pregnancy had progressed, I had been increasingly tired, I also started experiencing pain in my upper right abdomen. Being a busy mum of three little kids (6, 4 and 22mo) I pushed it to the back of my mind, passing it off as pregnancy related. I think deep down however I knew something wasn’t quite right, but I had previously had three uncomplicated pregnancies.

(...) After ultrasounds, blood tests, an MRI and a liver biopsy a week after arriving at Monash I was diagnosed with Metastatic Adenocarcinoma, Stage 4. One primary tumour in my bowel with 12 liver metastases. The largest tumour in my liver measuring 14cm. I was given a prognosis of two years.

(...) Because my tumour overexpressed HER2, I was offered participation in an experimental trial. To confirm my eligibility, the tissue from my biopsy was sent overseas to the Trial Sponsor’s mandated central lab for confirmation of HER2 status. I was then accepted into the Destiny CRC02 trial, a phase 2 study investigating the safety and effectiveness of targeted therapy drug, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd) in the treatment of HER2 positive colorectal cancer."

Amanda shares the rest of her lived experience here.

Read more about HER2 here.
MORE ON BIOMARKERS

"Incorporating a variety of plant-based foods into your diet can have some real benefits, especially when you're dealing with bowel health. You do not have to go completely vegetarian or vegan, but adding these foods can provide essential nutrients and support your wellbeing.

Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre that keep you healthy. During treatment, when your body may be under additional stress, these foods can be especially beneficial. They can help boost your immune system, help with digestion, and give you the energy you need to repair.

In the context of bowel cancer where the bowel may have issues with digestion during treatment and there is gastric upset, it's worth mentioning the concept of low-fibre plant-based foods. These are foods that are gentle on the digestive system, reducing the amount of undigested material passing through the intestines. This can help alleviate discomfort.

Low-fibre foods include cooked peeled vegetables, well-cooked grains like rice and oats, and soft peeled and de-seeded fruits. As always, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered nutritionist or dietitian who can provide personalised dietary recommendations tailored to your specific health needs and treatment plan." ~ Teresa, Bowel Cancer Australia Bowel Care Nutritionist.

For further information on high-fibre and low-fibre diets and recipes visit the Bowel Cancer Australia website or contact one of our friendly Bowel Care Nutritionists.
LOW FIBRE FACTS SHEET & RECIPES

A very big thank you and congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2023 Meat Free Week challenge, fundraised or made a donation, and to all our enthusiastic supporters who helped to spread the important Meat Free Week messages throughout this year’s campaign.

According to the CSIRO Healthy Diet Score report, released earlier this month by Australia’s national science agency, only four out of 10 adults reporting eating three or more different vegetables at their main meal - an indicator of a healthy diet.

Trying a plant-based menu, or more plant-based meals, for one week continues to create a great opportunity to think about the benefits of eating more plant-based foods, including how consuming wholegrains and plant-based foods containing dietary fibre can help decrease the risk of bowel cancer.

Thank you all for your support and we look forward to Meat Free Week 2024!
MORE ABOUT MEAT FREE WEEK
Acclaimed actress and Author Miriam Margoyles has released her latest book “Oh Miriam”, which can be purchased here. A wonderful supporter of Bowel Cancer Australia, Miriam was the voice of the 'talking bowel' for the charity's last two TV commercials. Using her profile to boost community awareness and support bowel cancer patients, a disease that has affected her family members including her grandmother who died from bowel cancer.
Did you know vacuuming the house or running after the kids could lower your risk of some cancers? New research reveals the potential benefits of vigorous incidental activity. The study suggests a total of just 4.5 minutes of vigorous activity that makes you huff and puff during daily tasks could reduce the risk of some cancers by up to 18 percent and up to 32 percent for cancers linked to physical activity.
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