A leading surgeon from Noosa has issued a strong appeal for residents to participate in the free national bowel cancer screening program. Dr. Heinrich Schwalb, a general surgeon at Noosa Hospital, emphasized the importance of the test, noting that the hospital sees approximately 50 cases of bowel cancer each year.
“Do the National Bowel screen test,” Dr. Schwalb urged. “It is free, and the government sends it to all citizens every second year from age 50 to 76. Previous statistics show that the uptake was only about 40 percent.”
Dr. Schwalb highlighted that around 23 percent of bowel cancer cases are genetic, underscoring the role of a healthy lifestyle in prevention. “See your doctor if you experience any unexplained abdominal symptoms, weight loss, or iron deficiency,” he advised.
Bowel Cancer: A Growing Concern
Bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, with approximately 280 Australians diagnosed each week. The Colonoscopy Clinic has been mapping bowel cancer cases on the Sunshine Coast using data from the Australian Cancer Atlas. Their findings reveal that Maroochydore, the business hub of the region, has 19 percent more cases than the national average, while Noosa and Mooloolaba are six percent below the average.
The Colonoscopy Clinic operates across several sites on the Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra Private Day Hospital, Nambour Selangor Private Hospital, Noosa Private Hospital, and Sunshine Coast Day Surgery.
Rising Rates Among Younger Australians
Dr. Tim Lyon, a gastroenterologist from the Colonoscopy Clinic Sunshine Coast, pointed out that the data only tells part of the story. “The rate of detection in Australians aged under 50 has been steadily increasing over the last 10 years,” he said. This trend has prompted the expansion of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to include individuals aged 45 to 50, who can now register and request a kit by mail. Australians over 50 automatically receive a kit.
“The early onset of colorectal cancer is influenced by a range of factors, including diet and lifestyle,” Dr. Lyon explained. “I know there is an ‘ick-factor’ in the screening test. I know there is an ‘ick-factor’ in having a colonoscopy. But if it’s caught early, colorectal cancer is very treatable. Polyps can take up to 10 years to turn into cancer, so early testing and removal can save lives.”
Understanding the Risk Factors
High-risk factors for bowel cancer include a family history of the disease or polyps, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and a diet high in processed or red meat. These factors highlight the importance of regular screening and lifestyle modifications as preventive measures.
The announcement comes as health professionals continue to emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention. The move to expand the screening program represents a proactive approach to tackling the increasing incidence of bowel cancer, particularly among younger populations.
As the nation grapples with this pressing health issue, experts urge individuals to overcome any hesitations about screening. The potential benefits of early detection far outweigh the discomfort associated with the procedures, offering a lifeline to those at risk.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free resources available and consult with healthcare providers to better understand their individual risks and the steps they can take to protect their health. The collective effort to increase participation in the screening program could significantly impact the fight against one of Australia’s deadliest cancers.
