View this email in your browser
Collection of photographs of bowel cancer patient Richard
BE BOLD for bowel cancer this Decembeard | Decembhair!

"In March 2023, after countless arguments with my wife and adult children, I presented to our local ED with lower abdominal pain. After further investigation this abdominal pain turned into something much worse, Stage 4 bowel cancer with metastasis to my liver and spine.
 
Other than the abdominal pain I showed little signs of any disease. I did have some weight loss and fatigue, but I put this down to age and lifestyle. Bowel movements were normal, so I went about my day-to-day routine and ignored or managed the pain with paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
 
I made two major flaws, I ignored my body, and I disregarded the free bowel screening test, not once but twice. Twice I had tossed the free test into my bedside draws. They still sit there today as a testament to my ignorance and naivety to think I could be anything but healthy.
 
The sad truth to my ignorance is that not only has my life changed but that of my wife, four children, eight beautiful grandchildren, family and friends. They have all had to see me go through major surgery and the fortnightly chemotherapy treatments which can leave me a little rough around the edges.
 
The saying, ‘change is sometimes good’ has never rung truer in my eyes because now I get to advocate for bowel cancer awareness and through wonderful groups like Bowel Cancer Australia, I can make a difference in many lives and hope to change the mentality that I had and think that I'm invincible.
 
This December Bowel Cancer Australia are running their Decembeard | Decembhair campaign to raise awareness and funds for Australia's second deadliest cancer killer. By simply letting it grow or letting it go you can help support those living with or beyond bowel cancer. I'm in but I guess by looking at my ugly mug you might have guessed." ~ Richard.
SIGN UP FOR DECEMBEARD | DECEMBHAIR
Image of FDA headquarters building

On 8 November 2023, the FDA approved a new oral medicine called Fruzaqla (fruquintinib) for the treatment of patients with previously treated metastatic bowel cancer. It is the first chemotherapy-free treatment option to be approved for metastatic bowel cancer in more than a decade, according to Takeda, the drug’s manufacturer.  Read more here.
Image of Bristol Stool Chart

A persistent change in bowel habit, especially more frequent and/or loose motions for several weeks can be a sign of bowel cancer. The Bristol Stool Chart, developed by Dr. Stephen Lewis and Dr. Ken Heaton at the University of Bristol, is a useful aid when describing your poo to a GP or specialist. Get to know what's normal for you and how to describe it here.
Image of Michael in his car racing gear, holding his helmet

A routine medical for his annual licence uncovered Stage 3 bowel cancer for racing driver, Michael Sheargold. A check he credits saved his life.

In this episode of The Bottom Line Podcast Michael chats candidly with Stephanie about the importance of understanding your body and acting on symptoms.  Bowel cancer was never on Michael’s radar and the shock diagnosis at 36 made him reassess what was important in life.
 
Michael’s frank discussion around keeping a positive mindset and to be an advocate for your own health is a must listen.
LISTEN NOW
Image of The Movement Wellness Beyond Diagnosis hosts Sally and Stephanie
In the latest expert session now available in The Movement, Dr Sophie Beumont discusses dental hygiene and mouth health and the side effects of treatment. Whether you are living with or beyond bowel cancer or a loved one. Connect with others by joining our closed Facebook group. The Movement is a supportive community aimed at helping improve health and wellbeing throughout the care continuum.
Image of the Larapinta Trail hike
In June 2024, we’re embarking on an epic trekking adventure in the heart of the Australian outback, and we want you to join us!⁠ On this incredible adventure, you’ll trek through the Australian outback on one of the most spectacular walking trails— the legendary Larapinta Trail. To top it off, you’ll also be raising funds for Bowel Cancer Australia, to help build a path toward a cure.⁠
Image of pizza bread
Image of paper chain people with the words: Support For You
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Copyright © 2023 Bowel Cancer Australia. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Level 2, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Bowel Cancer Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.