Approximately 80 Australians die from bowel cancer every week, which is why prevention should be a priority for everyone. Perhaps even more alarming than these numbers is the lack of information these patients have regarding their symptoms. This disease can be treated successfully if detected in its early stages, but currently fewer than 40 per cent of colorectal cancers are detected early.
It’s a long-standing truth – “prevention is better than a cure”. So we’ve listed some healthy habits to incorporate into your everyday life to help with preventing Bowel Cancer. Although no cancer is entirely preventable, it’s been estimated that making changes to your diet and physical activity can reduce the incidence of bowel cancer by up to 75%!
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Bowel Cancer Diet
There is sufficient and convincing evidence that foods containing dietary fibre, and that consumption of vegetables and fruits that contain antioxidants may offer some protection against developing bowel cancer. Eating red meat and particularly processed meat may increase the chances of developing bowel cancer.
Exercise For Bowel Cancer
Convincing evidence shows that higher levels of physical activity protect against colon (not rectal) cancer. It’s recommended to start with a minimum of 30 minutes exercise where the heart rate is elevated, increasing to 60 minutes every day. Limiting habits which involve being seated for long periods, e.g. watching television, is also a great way to minimize contributing factors.
If you know anyone at risk or displaying symptoms, encourage them to ask for a Doctor’s referral; Prevention can be possible through our Colonoscopy procedure, which offers the best chance of early detection and cure.
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TWO SIMPLE STEPS
Are You At Risk?
If you would like to book a Bowel cancer screening at one of our hospitals, just follow these two easy steps:
Get a Referral from Your GP
Download and print the referral form and take it to your regular GP. Your doctor will complete the form and refer you to Direct Endoscopy for the appropriate service.
Make an Appointment
Once your GP has completed the referral form, it’s time to book your consultation. Call our team on 03 9781 5959 or book online at your convenience. We’ll help you choose a suitable clinic location and appointment time that works for you.
Get a Referral from Your GP
Download and print the referral form and take it to your regular GP. Your doctor will complete the form and refer you to Direct Endoscopy for the appropriate service.
Make an Appointment
Once your GP has completed the referral form, it’s time to book your consultation. Call our team on 03 9781 5959 or book online at your convenience. We’ll help you choose a suitable clinic location and appointment time that works for you.
Who is at Risk?
Prevention is increasingly important for those who match the following criteria:
Aged 50 Years
Are aged 50 years and over (risk increases with age)
Family History
Have a significant family history of bowel cancer or polyps
Inflammatory Bowel
Have had an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Have Previously Had
Have previously had special types of polyps, called adenomas, in the bowel.
Colonoscopy to Help Prevent Bowel Cancer
Colonoscopy is currently the most accurate way of detecting and the only means of removing polyps from the bowel. If polyps are left untreated, a significant percentage of these will eventually develop into bowel cancer.
Polyps rarely produce symptoms and usually are discovered by inspection at the time of colonoscopy, so early identification of polyps is the best method of prevention
Most polyps can be safely removed during a colonoscopy to help prevent the cancer.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
Take advantage of the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which is currently in place for screening all Australian citizens aged 50, 55 and 65 without symptoms with FOBT (faecal occult blood test).
Ask Direct Endoscopy staff for details of how you can take steps to prevent bowel cancer or book a colonoscopy as a preventative measure.
With over 30 years of experience and more than half a million endoscopic procedures performed, Direct Endoscopy is one of Melbourne’s most established providers of gastroenterology and digestive health services. Our specialist gastroenterologists lead the way in colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and capsule endoscopy, delivering accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment in fully accredited hospital settings.
We provide comprehensive care across all areas of digestive health, from bowel cancer prevention and liver disease management to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and beyond.
Specialist-Led. Patient-Focused.
Expert-Led Patient Care
With over 30 years of experience and more than half a million endoscopic procedures performed, Direct Endoscopy is one of Melbourne’s most established providers of gastroenterology and digestive health services. Our specialist gastroenterologists lead the way in colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and capsule endoscopy, delivering accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment in fully accredited hospital settings.
We provide comprehensive care across all areas of digestive health, from bowel cancer prevention and liver disease management to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and beyond.