Post-learning quiz

1. Be Active and Healthy

Including a variety of vegetables, fruit, grains, nuts and legumes is vital for gut health and reducing the risk of bowel cancer. Ultra processed foods and alcohol have been linked to increased risk of cancers, so limit or avoid these whenever possible. Maintaining a healthy weight range and exercising regularly are huge contributors to preventing bowel cancer. If you’re in a sedentary job, get a standing desk or leave your desk regularly and schedule walking meetings.

In reference to being active and healthy, what are some specific things you can do to reduce your risk of bowel cancer?

2. Explore Your Family History

It is important to understand your family’s health history as you may be at an increased risk if there is a history of bowel cancer in your family.
An individual’s risk of developing colorectal cancer is at least two times higher than average, but could be up to four times higher than average, if they have any of the following:

• only one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 60
• one first-degree relative AND one or more second-degree relatives with colorectal cancer diagnosed at any age
• two first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer diagnosed at any age*

*1st-degree relatives (parent, sibling or child) and 2nd degree relatives (aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or grandparent).

Be sure to include both sides of the family when speaking to your GP or Health Professional about your family history.

Family history includes genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors and these total 30%.

Hereditary is specifically genetic in origin and accounts for 5-10% of cases.

What can you do to explore your family history?

3. Act on Symptoms

There are 14,800 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, and many are not aware of the symptoms. Acting quickly when you first notice symptoms is the key, because if found early more than 90% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.

Recognising and acting on symptoms is vitally important for the early detection of bowel cancer. Where can you go to find out more about the symptoms of bowel cancer, and undertake the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation Symptom Checker?

4. Take the Test

The Australian Government provides a free bowel screening test to all eligible Australians aged 45-74 years old, yet fewer than half complete the test and send it back. The test is so easy to do, and it could save your life.

It’s important to remember that a positive result may be due to conditions other than cancer, such as haemorrhoids or inflammation of the bowel, which is why a positive test must be followed up with a diagnostic test, from your health professional.

How is the test life-saving?