Visible bowel cancer symptoms are NOT NORMAL. They require prompt investigation to rule out bowel cancer as the underlying cause.
With over 325 new cases and 108 deaths estimated weekly (16,938/5,597 annually - AIHW 2019), during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June, Australian’s are reminded that despite the NEW NORMAL, some things remain NOT NORMAL, such as -
- Blood in your poo or rectal bleeding
- A recent, persistent change in your bowel habit
- Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness, weakness, or weight loss
- Abdominal pain, especially if severe
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CHECK YOUR POO.
LOOK OUT FOR VISIBLE SYMPTOMS OF BOWEL CANCER.
NOT EVERYONE EXPERIENCES SYMPTOMS, PARTICULARLY IN THE EARLY STAGES OF BOWEL CANCER.
DON'T DELAY IN TALKING TO YOUR GP IF ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS (REMEMBER TELEHEALTH IS AVAILABLE DURING COVID-19, SO YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR GP FROM YOUR HOME OVER THE INTERNET OR PHONE).
ALMOST 99% OF BOWEL CANCER CASES CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY TREATED, IF DETECTED EARLY.
JOIN OUR ‘NOT NORMAL’ SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
This June we encourage you to join us in raising much needed awareness, helping to save lives and improve the health and wellbeing of people living withbowel cancer.
Download it
Take a photo of yourself holding our ‘Not Normal’ placard and send your picture through to us using this webform. We’ll share your photograph throughout the campaign.
Post it
Post it
Keep a copy of your photograph handy and get ready to share it on your Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram using the hashtags #NotNormal and #BowelCancerAustralia and tagging @BowelCancerAustralia (or @BowelCancerAust on Twitter) from 1 June 2020.
Suggested social media wording to accompany your photo:
“Did you know, bowel cancer is Australia's second deadliest cancer. Join me in helping Bowel Cancer Australia save lives this #Bowel Cancer Awareness Month by raising awareness that bowel cancer symptoms are NOT NORMAL.”
Share it
Your story is unique, and your bowel cancer experience can be a big help to others.
What is the biggest challenge you (your loved one) faced when diagnosed with bowel cancer?
Knowing what you do now, having been through bowel cancer yourself or with your loved one, what would be the one piece of advice you would give to others?
Early stage bowel cancer may show no obvious symptoms. Listen to your body and talk to your GP if you know something is not right. Seek a second opinion if needed.
Symptoms remain NOT NORMAL despite the NEW NORMAL
Early detection of bowel cancer cannot and should not stop, even during a pandemic.
