Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Family Should Know
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Learn about early detection, the national screening program, and common myths — and when to speak to your GP at FMP
Why Bowel Cancer Deserves Attention This June
Bowel cancer is one of Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancers. It affects both men and women across a wide age range, and in many cases develops slowly and without obvious symptoms over several years.
The encouraging news is that when bowel cancer is detected early, treatment options are considerably broader. This is why awareness, screening and GP involvement matter. June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a useful prompt to understand your risk, know what to look out for, and act if you have been putting off a check-in.
Who Is at Risk?
Bowel cancer can affect anyone. Risk increases with age (particularly from 45 onwards, though rates in younger adults are rising), a personal or family history of bowel cancer or polyps, a diet high in processed or red meat and low in fibre, physical inactivity, obesity or type 2 diabetes, smoking or high alcohol consumption, and a history of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop bowel cancer. Your GP can help you understand what your personal risk profile looks like and what monitoring or screening is appropriate.
Common Symptoms to Discuss With Your GP
Bowel cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening matters. When symptoms do appear, they can include changes in bowel habits persisting for more than a few weeks, blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, unexplained abdominal pain or bloating, a feeling that the bowel has not fully emptied, or unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue.
These symptoms can have many causes, they do not necessarily indicate bowel cancer. However, if you have noticed any of these changes, speak with your GP rather than waiting to see if they resolve on their own.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The Australian Government's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free home test kits (iFOBT) to eligible Australians aged 45 to 74. The test detects small amounts of blood in a stool sample, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer or polyps. If you are in the eligible age range and have not completed your kit, contact the program or speak with your GP.
If you have a family history of bowel cancer or other known risk factors, discuss with your GP whether earlier or more frequent screening is appropriate.
Clearing Up the Myths
Myth: Bowel cancer only affects older people. Bowel cancer can affect anyone. While risk increases with age, rates in Australians under 50 are rising. Age is one risk factor, not the only one.
Myth: No symptoms means no problem. Bowel cancer commonly has no symptoms in its early stages. The absence of symptoms is not reassurance, screening is the only reliable way to detect it early.
Myth: The home test kit is not accurate. The iFOBT used in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is an effective tool for detecting early signs. A positive result leads to follow-up investigation, not an immediate diagnosis.
Myth: A family history means you will definitely get it. Family history increases risk but does not make bowel cancer inevitable. Your GP can help you understand what that risk means for you personally.
Your GP's Role in Bowel Cancer Prevention
At FMP, our GPs are experienced in chronic disease management and preventive health. They can review your personal risk factors, organise appropriate screening or referrals, help you interpret results, and support relevant lifestyle changes.
If you have not had a general health check recently, this month is a reasonable prompt to book one.
Book at your nearest FMP clinic — Kirrawee, Woolooware or Kurnell at familymedicalpractices.com.au.
