BOWEL CANCER  is cancer in any part of the colon and rectum.

If caught early enough, bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers. Bowel cancer is the 2nd largest cause of cancer death in Australians . Over 14,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year; it affects men and women almost equally. You should never be told you are too young to have bowel cancer.

What to look out for...

1. A persistent change in bowel habit, especially going more often of looser, more diarrhoea-like motions, for several weeks;

2. Rectal bleeding;

3. Abdominal pain, especially if severe;

4. Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness or weight loss;

5. A lump or mass in your stomach. Talk to your doctor, don't be embarrassed or scared - they've heard it all before. It is better to visit your GP early and be reassured or treated than to hope symptoms will disappear or improve without treatment.  A visit to your GP could save your life.