Nutrition Advice and Support Approximately 7 in 10 (69%) bowel cancer patients received no nutritional advice or support from their healthcare team throughout their diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment, including those with a stoma, according to new UK research.
Respondents reported facing multiple nutritional challenges including being unsure about what to eat, diarrhoea, appetite loss, and changes to taste and smell.
The research also highlighted cancer patients’ desire for individualised advice relating to their specific nutritional problems. Many indicated they did not feel they received the nutritional support and advice they needed.
"I was given dietary advice on leaving hospital but to be honest, the information consisted of lists of good and bad options, which were very limited and sometimes not that clear,” said Bowel Cancer Australia Director David Gardiner.
“It was probably the most difficult part of my recovery," David said.
If you’re in need of personalised support, contact our Bowel Care Nutritionist. |
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It is a purpose-driven extension of how I want to contribute to the health of Australia Bowel Cancer Australia's directors come from a diverse range of backgrounds and bring a wealth of skills, experience, and expertise to the charity.
As co-founder and executive chairman of one of Australia’s largest consumer magazine publishing businesses, David Gardiner has turned unknown brands into household names.
But bowel cancer doesn’t discriminate, and despite his personal success, David was diagnosed with Australia’s second deadliest cancer at age 51.
“If you are aware of a symptom or problem, if there is bleeding or irregular bowel movements, talk to your doctor and to your family," David said.
Gavin Fox-Smith has worked as a senior commercial and executive leader in the Asia Pacific region, and has more than 30 years’ experience in the medical devices industry.
Inspired by the commitment of patron Richard Penn to improving outcomes for people affected by bowel cancer, Gavin says he has ‘always believed in the mission’.
“Bowel cancer is one of those diseases where if we catch it early enough, we can actually do something about it,” Gavin said. |
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Continuity of Care Collaboration Despite uncertainties due to COVID-19, early detection of bowel cancer cannot and should not stop.
During January to July 2020, there were 144,379 (17%) fewer bowel cancer screening tests returned compared to 2019.
In April 2020, polyp removal during colonoscopy declined 57% compared to March.
And although the numbers showed some improvement by June 2020, they were still 11% lower than in June 2019.
It is important delays in diagnosis and treatment are minimised to ensure the best health outcomes possible, because 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected early.
Healthcare is one of the permitted reasons to leave home under COVID-19 restrictions. So, if you have missed a medical appointment, received a positive test, or are experiencing new symptoms, now is the time to speak with your GP.
Healthcare services have COVID-safe measures in place to ensure your safety. |
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The need for improved access to medicines in Australia: The patient perspective “I was told my fate was all but sealed: the statistics for people with my cancer, at the late stage we found it, were terrible, and I would be lucky to live past 18 months,” said Nicole Cooper, who was diagnosed with Stage IV bowel cancer at age 32, just eight months after becoming a mum.
“Sitting in a body that is now free of cancer, two years beyond my heralded expiry date, I know my medical team still hold a bag of alternative plans - new drugs, novel therapies - and are looking every day for ideas to add to their stash. This degree of world-leading, game-changing cancer care is every Australian cancer patient’s expectation and should be their right,” said Nicole.
On 18 August 2020, an inquiry into the approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia was established. In our submission, Bowel Cancer Australia highlighted the limited number of treatment options available for metastatic bowel cancer patients, despite bowel cancer being the third most diagnosed cancer and second deadliest cancer in Australia, claiming more than 100 lives each week.
The AIHW identifies bowel cancer as a chronic disease. We know that timely access to affordable treatment options will help make this a reality, by enabling more bowel cancer patients with metastatic disease to live their best possible life. |
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Meat Free Week 2020 Big thanks to all our supporters who participated in Meat Free Week this September and congratulations on completing the challenge!
An annual campaign, Meat Free Week is about encouraging people to discover how easy it is to make little changes that can create a big difference.
Trying a plant-based menu for one week creates a great opportunity to start thinking about how much meat you eat and the impact excessive meat consumption has on bowel cancer risk, and supports eating for better health.
We hope you'll join us again next year for Meat Free Week 2021! |
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