The Bottom Line Podcast

In Part 1 of this two part episode, Sean and Michelle chat to Stephanie from a patient and carer perspective about navigating a metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis.

Diagnosed at age 35, Sean talks about cancer being a team game and remaining in the 'now' while Michelle explains the sense of helplessness experienced as a carer.

Sean and Michelle are passionate about raising awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer and talk about the importance of understanding symptoms, being an advocate for your own health and talking to your GP if you have any concerns. 

Popular radio host and former golfer, Mark Allen was just 50 and feeling as fit as he had ever been when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2018.

Mark had 70% of his rectum and 18% of his lungs removed, and extensive chemotherapy. But despite this, a couple of further bumps in the road, Mark’s optimism shines through and he considers himself incredibly lucky. Back on the golf course, he was given all clear in May 2020.

Mark chats about the importance of remaining positive and encourages Australians not to be complacent and to DO the screening test and not leave it in your top drawer.

A nurse and a mother of four, Camille from South Australia was just 38 when she first presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, but was dismissed due to her age.

After a total of three visits to the emergency department she finally insisted on further investigation and discovered she had bowel cancer.

Camille wants to have a frank discussion about bowel cancer and make others aware of the importance of trusting your instincts and insisting on further investigation. Camille talks Stephanie about her experience, the importance of connection and Bowel Cancer Australia’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network.

A new report, Protecting nine million Australians: the case for screening from age 45 by social demographer Bernard Salt AM, Managing Director of The Demographics Group, and commissioned by Bowel Cancer Australia, examines the growing impact of bowel cancer in people under 50 and the benefits of lowering the screening age.

The release of the report coincides with the draft recommendation from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for screening to start at age 45, which matches that of the American Cancer Society (ACS), which in May 2018 issued the same recommendation.

Bowel Cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, with over 15,000 people diagnosed each year and over 5,000 dying from the disease. However, it is preventable and treatable.

Colorectal surgeon, Graham Newstead talks about poo and what to look out for in the toilet bowl, as well as bowel cancer symptoms and the need for all Australians to be bowel cancer aware regardless of age.  

Meat Free Week challenges participants to try a plant-based menu for seven days and raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.

Bowel Care Nutritionist and bowel cancer survivor, Teresa Mitchell-Paterson, talks diet and the impact of meat to mark Meat Free Week as well as the importance of food for bowel cancer patients during treatment, recovery and beyond - sharing practical advice and valuable tips to assist with diet.

A new Australian study has found the rates of bowel cancer in people under 50 continue to rise.

Dannielle was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 28. Over a period of a few years she sought medical help and knew something wasn't quite right, but bowel cancer was constantly dismissed because of her age. This delay resulted in her stage 4 diagnosis.