Delays in diagnosis and treatment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have serious implications for bowel cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

New Normal, Same Cancer is an international initiative developed in collaboration with leading patient organisations to encourage people to contact their healthcare professional, get checked, or re-book their missed medical appointments, to minimise the time between cancer diagnosis and treatment, from weeks to days.

It will be important to continue monitoring the long-term effects of delays during the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening and other health services such as timely access to colonoscopy.

Research shows a delay in cancer treatment by as few as four weeks may be sufficient to increase the risk of death by about 10%.

So, if you missed a medical appointment, received a positive test, are experiencing new symptoms, or your treatment was adjusted, now is the time to speak with your healthcare professional to ensure the best health outcomes possible.

- During January to September 2020, there were 216,537 (19.5%) fewer bowel cancer screening tests returned compared to 2019, despite an additional 344,264 (13.6%) tests being mailed. And at the height of the pandemic, there was a massive drop in colonoscopies by 57%.

- Comparing the total national number of services provided in January to September 2020 to the same period in 2019, there were 15% fewer colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies which equates to 78,048 fewer procedures.

- The number of bowel cancer surgeries performed nationally between January and September 2020 was approximately 4% lower than the number performed during the same period in 2019, equating to 381 fewer surgeries.

Bowel Care Nutritionists

A diagnosis of bowel cancer may involve some changes to your diet and lifestyle. Changes to food and diet often may need to be taken into consideration to improve your road to recovery.

You may not be able to tolerate some of the foods you once enjoyed, and your new bowel habits may pose challenges until symptoms settle down.

But there should be no reason for food to become 'the enemy' or for diet to start ruling your life. Food can still be fun and something to be enjoyed, with a little patience and planning.

Food is an important part of all our lives – not only do we need a good diet to maintain our strength and health, it is also often associated with social and fun activities.

Bowel Cancer Australia understands that there is a real need for specific nutritional guidance. We aim to support you with practical menu planning and tips during your cancer treatment.

As part of our Bowel Care Nutrition program, Bowel Cancer Australia releases a new recipe every month. Including a high fibre version and a low fibre (low residue) alternative for people recovering from bowel surgery and/or living with a stoma. These include day-to-day recipes, as well as festive dishes that help to ensure you can continue to enjoy celebrations like Easter, Christmas and parties with family/friends.

Through our free Helpline, Bowel Care Nutritionists Teresa and Janet can also help with practical advice on food choices during treatment and in recovery. Specific nutritional advice, menu planning and cooking tips, such as how to modify favourite recipes, are provided to patients, carers and families.

VIEW RECIPES

Photo grid of Decembeard/Decembhair participants

Decembeard & Decembhair 2020

With Decembeard now over for another year and the inaugural Decembhair complete, we wanted to extend a very warm thank you to everyone who fundraised, donated and shared their personal stories to help beat bowel cancer.

Fundraising in support of her cousin who was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 24, Mari-Clair collected over $3,500 in donations by cutting off her hair for Decembhair - making her our top individual fundraiser for 2020.

Mari-Clair was closely followed by Michael (diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2020, at the age of 28), Nikki (diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in April 2020, at the age of 40), Julie (participating in memory of daughter Kate, who was diagnosed with Stage IV rectal cancer when she was 31 years old, and sadly passed away in January 2020), and Thi (participating in support of loved ones affected by the disease) – who rounded out the top five individual fundraisers for 2020.

Members of the Defence Force put their full support behind the campaign again this year, with the 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS), No. 37 Squadron (Trojans) and No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU) taking out the coveted first, second and fifth places in the top five team fundraisers. Deano’s Bearded Stallions (who have raised funds and awareness every Decembeard since 2013, following the passing of their close friend Dean who was just two weeks shy of his 27th birthday) and Team Ironpot (in support of a loved one who is currently receiving treatment for bowel cancer) also secured a place in top five team fundraiser category.

Whether living with or beyond bowel cancer, or participating in memory of a loved one, each Fundraiser and Awareness Advocate had their own special “Me, My Hair & Why” story and very personal reasons for joining Bowel Cancer Australia in helping to beat bowel cancer.

A massive THANK YOU to each and every one, for helping us to save lives and to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with bowel cancer.

We look forward to you joining us for Decembeard/Decembhair 2021!

FURTHER DETAILS

Mark Allen Shares His Bowel Cancer Experience

Popular radio host and Pro-Golfer, Mark Allen was just 50 and feeling as fit as he had ever been when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in 2018.

Mark had 70% of his rectum removed, 18% of his lungs and extensive chemotherapy but despite this Mark’s optimism shines through and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to have found it just in time. Back on the golf course, he was given the all clear in May 2020.

In an authentic and honest chat, Mark tells fellow bowel cancer survivor Stephanie Bansemer-Brown on The Bottomline Podcast about the importance of remaining positive and encourages Australians not to be complacent - to DO the screening test and not leave it in your top drawer.

LISTEN NOW

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