June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in Australia, an important reminder to talk about bowel health, understand the symptoms of bowel cancer, and take screening seriously. In 2026, Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is also supported by Red Apple Day on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, which helps raise awareness and funds for bowel cancer research, prevention and support.
Bowel cancer, also called colorectal cancer, can affect the colon or rectum. It is common, serious and often treatable when found early. In some cases, bowel cancer develops from polyps, which are small growths on the bowel lining. Not all polyps become cancer, but some can change over time. This is why screening and timely investigation are so important.
This article explains why Bowel Cancer Awareness Month matters, the symptoms that should not be ignored, who should take part in bowel cancer screening, and when your GP may recommend a colonoscopy.
Article index
- What is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month?
- Why bowel cancer awareness matters
- Red Apple Day 2026
- Bowel cancer symptoms to know
- Bowel cancer screening in Australia
- What if your bowel screening test is positive?
- Family history and earlier screening
- Bowel cancer in younger adults
- When colonoscopy may be recommended
- Can bowel cancer be prevented?
- What to do during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
- How Direct Endoscopy can help
- Final thoughts
What is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month?
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is held in June each year. It is a national campaign that encourages Australians to learn about bowel cancer, recognise possible symptoms, understand screening options and support people affected by the disease.
The campaign is not only about raising general awareness. It is also a practical opportunity to ask yourself whether you are up to date with screening, whether you have been ignoring bowel symptoms, and whether your family history means you should speak with your GP earlier.
Bowel Cancer Australia describes June as its signature awareness month for raising awareness of bowel cancer and supporting its work for people affected by the disease. You can learn more about the campaign from Bowel Cancer Australia.
Why bowel cancer awareness matters
Bowel cancer can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can be mistaken for other common problems such as haemorrhoids, constipation, food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome or temporary digestive upset.
This is one reason awareness matters. People may delay seeing a doctor because they feel embarrassed, assume symptoms are not serious, or hope they will settle on their own. In many cases, symptoms are caused by less serious conditions. However, persistent or unexplained bowel symptoms should be checked.
Awareness also matters because screening can help detect bowel cancer early, before symptoms develop. For some people, screening may lead to a colonoscopy, where polyps can be found and removed before they become more serious.
Red Apple Day 2026
Red Apple Day is Bowel Cancer Australia’s annual giving day. In 2026, Red Apple Day falls on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The day encourages Australians to raise awareness, support fundraising and talk more openly about bowel cancer prevention, early detection and support.
You may see workplaces, schools, community groups and families holding apple-themed events during June. While these activities help raise funds, the health message is just as important: bowel cancer is something we should be able to talk about openly.
If Red Apple Day prompts you to do one thing for your health, make it practical. Check whether you are eligible for bowel screening, find out whether your last screening kit was completed, and speak with your GP if you have symptoms or a family history of bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer symptoms to know
Bowel cancer symptoms can vary. Some people have noticeable symptoms, while others may have none at first. Symptoms can also overlap with less serious bowel conditions, which is why it is important not to self-diagnose.
Symptoms to discuss with your GP include:
- blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- a recent, persistent change in bowel habits
- ongoing diarrhoea or constipation
- a change in the shape or appearance of your stool
- unexplained abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
- unexplained weight loss
- unexplained tiredness, weakness or shortness of breath
- iron deficiency anaemia
- a feeling that the bowel does not empty properly
These symptoms do not automatically mean bowel cancer. However, they should be assessed if they are new, persistent, worsening or unexplained. Bowel Cancer Australia provides more information about bowel cancer symptoms, including bleeding, bowel habit changes and changes in stool appearance, on its bowel cancer symptoms page.
Seek urgent medical care if you have heavy rectal bleeding, black tar-like stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting, or symptoms that feel sudden or severe.
Bowel cancer screening in Australia
Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides free home bowel screening tests for eligible people aged 45 to 74. The test is used to look for tiny amounts of blood in the stool that may not be visible.
People aged 50 to 74 are sent a free screening kit automatically every two years. People aged 45 to 49 can request their first free kit. Eligible people aged 45 to 74 can also ask their doctor about getting a kit. You can read more about the program on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
The screening test is for people who do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms such as bleeding, persistent bowel habit changes, unexplained weight loss or iron deficiency anaemia, do not wait for a routine screening test. Speak with your GP.
What if your bowel screening test is positive?
A positive bowel screening test does not mean you definitely have bowel cancer. It means blood was detected in the sample and the cause should be investigated.
There are several possible reasons for a positive result, including haemorrhoids, inflammation, polyps or bowel cancer. Because bowel cancer is one possible cause, your GP will usually discuss referral for colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy allows the specialist to examine the inside of the large bowel and rectum. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the same procedure and sent for pathology testing. This is one reason colonoscopy can play an important role in both detecting bowel cancer and helping prevent it.
If you receive a positive result, try not to panic, but do not ignore it. Book an appointment with your GP and follow the recommended next step.
Family history and earlier screening
Some people may need to discuss bowel cancer screening earlier than the standard population program. Family history is one important reason.
Your risk may be higher if a close relative, such as a parent, brother, sister or child, has had bowel cancer. Risk may be higher again if that relative was diagnosed at a younger age, or if several relatives on the same side of the family have had bowel cancer or multiple bowel polyps.
Family history does not mean you will definitely develop bowel cancer. However, it may change when screening should begin and whether colonoscopy is recommended instead of, or in addition to, stool testing.
During Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, it can be useful to ask your family what you know about bowel cancer, bowel polyps or related cancers in close relatives. If there is a pattern, speak with your GP about what screening approach is right for you.
Bowel cancer in younger adults
Bowel cancer is more common in older adults, but younger adults can still be affected. This is important because younger people may not be eligible for routine screening, or they may assume bowel cancer is not something they need to think about.
For younger adults, symptoms matter. Rectal bleeding, persistent bowel habit changes, unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or iron deficiency anaemia should be discussed with a GP, even if you are under 45.
Bowel Cancer Australia notes that screening is for people who do not already have symptoms or a high-risk reason for investigation. If you have symptoms or may be at higher risk, you should consult your GP for advice. You can read more about screening by age from Bowel Cancer Australia.
When colonoscopy may be recommended
Your GP may recommend colonoscopy if you have bowel symptoms, a positive bowel screening test, previous polyps, iron deficiency anaemia, inflammatory bowel disease, or a family history that places you at higher risk.
During a colonoscopy, the specialist examines the lining of the bowel using a thin flexible tube with a camera. The procedure is usually performed under sedation or anaesthesia. If polyps are found, they can often be removed at the same time. Biopsies may also be taken if an area needs closer testing.
Colonoscopy is not needed for every bowel symptom. However, it may be the most appropriate test when your doctor needs to investigate the bowel directly, rule out serious conditions, or follow up an abnormal screening result.
If your GP has recommended a colonoscopy, follow the preparation instructions carefully. Good bowel preparation is important because the bowel needs to be clear so the specialist can see the lining properly.
Can bowel cancer be prevented?
Not all bowel cancer can be prevented, but there are steps that may reduce risk and support earlier detection. Screening is one of the most important tools because it can detect possible signs of bowel cancer before symptoms appear.
Some lifestyle factors may also influence bowel cancer risk. These include diet, physical activity, weight, alcohol and smoking. Bowel Cancer Australia notes that diet, lifestyle choices, screening and surveillance can influence bowel cancer risk. You can read more about modifiable risk factors from Bowel Cancer Australia.
Practical risk-reduction steps may include:
- participating in recommended bowel screening
- speaking with your GP about symptoms promptly
- knowing your family history
- eating a balanced diet with enough fibre
- limiting processed meat
- being physically active
- limiting alcohol
- not smoking
- following surveillance advice if you have had polyps removed
A healthy lifestyle does not remove risk completely. Screening and medical advice remain important, even if you feel well.
What to do during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to take a few simple, practical steps. You do not need to do everything at once. The most important thing is to act on the step that applies to you.
You may want to:
- check whether you are eligible for a free bowel screening kit
- complete a screening kit if one is sitting at home
- request a kit if you are aged 45 to 49 and eligible
- speak with your GP about bowel symptoms
- ask family members about bowel cancer or bowel polyps in close relatives
- follow up a positive bowel screening test
- check when your next surveillance colonoscopy is due if you have had polyps removed
- encourage a family member to complete their screening kit
The most useful awareness is not just knowing that bowel cancer exists. It is knowing what action to take based on your age, symptoms, family history and previous test results.
How Direct Endoscopy can help
If your GP has recommended further investigation because of symptoms, a positive screening result, previous polyps or family history, our team can help you understand the next steps.
At Direct Endoscopy, we support patients who need colonoscopy or other endoscopy procedures at several Melbourne locations. A colonoscopy allows the specialist to examine the bowel lining and remove polyps where clinically appropriate. If biopsies or polyps are taken, pathology results can help guide treatment, follow-up or future surveillance.
If you already have a referral, you can contact our team to discuss appointment availability, preparation instructions and expected costs. If you are unsure whether you need a colonoscopy, speak with your GP first so they can assess your symptoms, screening result and risk factors.
Final thoughts
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2026 is a timely reminder to take bowel health seriously. Bowel cancer can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms, but screening can help detect early signs before symptoms appear. Persistent symptoms should also be checked, regardless of age.
If you are aged 45 to 74, check whether you are up to date with bowel screening. If you have blood in your stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain, iron deficiency anaemia, unexplained weight loss or a positive screening test, speak with your GP.
Awareness is valuable, but action is what makes the difference. Completing a screening kit, asking about family history, or following up symptoms with your GP could be an important step in protecting your bowel health.