Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share valuable resources and raise desperately needed funds to assist in prevention, screening, early diagnosis, treatment options and ongoing research.
Here are some statistics you need to know:
- Bowel Cancer is the third most common newly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
- Currently, 15, 531 Australians are diagnosed with Bowel Cancer a year.
- Bowel Cancer claims the lives of 5350 Australians every year, of which 315 people diagnosed are under the age of 50.
As Australia’s third most cause of death from cancer, we join the aim to educate and inform – if detected early, statistics show that there is a possible 90% chance of Bowel Cancer being successfully treated.
What is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel Cancer occurs when cells in the bowel lining become abnormal and start dividing and growing. Bowel Cancer, also known as Colorectal Cancer, can affect any part of the Colon or Rectum, which form part of the large intestine.
Signs and Symptoms:
Early Bowel Cancer may not have any signs or symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are recommended. Once the disease has advanced the most common symptoms may be:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Change in Bowel Habits – Any change that occurs and remains that is different from your normal habits – these vary from more bowel movements than usual, more constipation or smaller frequencies of bowel movements.
- Stool Changes – Change in colour; consistency; mucous in stools
- Gas, Bloating or Cramps in the Bowel or Rectum
- A feeling of fullness in the bowel after a bowel movement
- Pain or a lump in the Bowel or Rectum
Risk and Prevention:
Bowel Cancer affects both young and old and knowing your body is key. It is important to be aware of your family history and age factors that play a role in the development of Bowel Cancer.
If you are aware of a family history of Bowel Cancer, Polyps or type 2 Diabetes or if you are 50 years and above, the risk of developing
Bowel Cancer increases greatly, and it is important to be screened regularly.
Lifestyle Risk Factors:
- A diet rich in red and processed meats
- Physical Inactivity
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy Alcohol Use
Lifestyle Tips to Promote Gut Health:
- Eat a healthy Diet – Incorporate fibre rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains into your daily diet.
- Exercise Regularly – Go for a daily walk, the gym or spend time outdoors with family and friends. Get moving – moving aids the gut in processing and digesting foods by getting the digestive tract active and replenished with new cells.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight – This assist in overall health as well as Cancer prevention.
- Get Enough Calcium and Vitamin C – These are found in dairy products, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and peppers.
- Limit Alcohol – Be aware of your intake and where possible, choose alternative beverages.
- Quit Smoking - Its never too late!
GET SCREENED REGULARLY.
Resources:
In 2018, the Australian Government implemented the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which sends out free Bowel Cancer Screening tests to all eligible Australians between the ages of 50 and 75 years old. If you are in NSW, act now and sign up for your Bowel Screening test at:
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Contact the Bowel Cancer Australia Hotline (Mon – Friday)
1 800 727 336
Join the Australia Bowel Cancer Wellness Beyond Diagnosis Movement
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If you are under the age of 50 visit
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Support Groups:
Find Support Groups Australia Wide through the GI Cancer Organisation
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Changing the Narrative on Suicide Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide . The impact is devastating — rippling through families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a story, a life, and loved ones left behind. This reality reminds us why World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) matters. On 10 September 2025 , people and organisations across the globe will come together to mark WSPD under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This year, the campaign is placing particular emphasis on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages so the message of hope can reach more people, in more places. As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), shares: “Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone — in every corner of the world.” What Does “Changing the Narrative” Mean? For too long, conversations about suicide have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Changing the narrative means shifting towards openness, empathy, and support. It’s about making suicide prevention everybody’s business — not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. The movement calls us to action in several key ways: Raising awareness and understanding through open, compassionate conversations. Advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies. Taking action by checking in with loved ones, sharing stories, and participating in training. Ensuring that people in crisis areas have access to mental health care and protective support. Ways You Can Get Involved in World Suicide Prevention Day 1. Start a Conversation and Raise Awareness Online A simple post using #WSPD can help challenge stigma and spread hope. Free resources, posters, and videos are available through organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, Lifeline, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. 2. Raise Awareness at Work Workplaces play a powerful role in shaping culture and supporting staff. Host an event, share resources with your team, or consider creating a wellbeing initiative that prioritises mental health in your workplace. 3. Reach Out to Someone If you notice a friend, colleague, or family member struggling, reaching out can make all the difference. Asking “How are you really going?” might be exactly what they need to hear. 4. Listen Well When someone shares their worries, listen without judgment. Don’t minimise their feelings or rush to provide answers. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of support. 5. Rethink Attitudes Toward Mental Health Reject harmful ideas like “just get over it” or “toughen up.” Encouraging openness shows people it’s safe to talk about their struggles and seek help when they need it. 6. Encourage People to Seek Support Whether it’s through a GP, a counsellor, or a helpline, professional help can make a huge difference. Remind those around you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
International Youth Day – Celebrating the Future of Healthcare Each year on International Youth Day, we honour the creativity, resilience, and potential of young people around the globe. At Health Staff Australia, we believe it’s also a powerful opportunity to highlight how youth play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in our country — from aged care to frontline nursing and allied health services. Young healthcare professionals are not just the future — they’re already making a difference today. Whether it’s through their work as Registered Nurses (RNs), Assistant in Nursing (AINs), Support Workers, Doctors, Occupational Therapists (OTs), or in countless other roles, young people are stepping up with compassion, innovation, and a drive to care. Youth in Aged Care and Nursing: The Impact is Real Australia’s healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, particularly as our population ages. This makes sectors like aged care and disability support more vital than ever. Youth who choose careers in these fields bring fresh energy, empathy, and a willingness to learn — helping to enhance the quality of care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. The nursing profession is the largest single health profession in Australia, and as the Australian Parliament notes, “workforce planning is critical to ensure alignment of nursing supply with demand required by the health system, to create a sustainable nursing workforce for Australia” ( source ). That means we need more young people to consider healthcare as a career path — and not just any role, but those in high-demand sectors like residential aged care, community health, mental health support, and disability services.
You Were Made for This: The Qualities That Make a Great Support Worker – and How to Grow Them Support work is not just a job. It’s a quiet kind of strength, a steady hand, and a heart that chooses care—again and again. At Health Staff Australia, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a truly compassionate support worker can make. But what is it that makes someone right for this role? And how can you grow into the kind of carer you aspire to be? Whether you’re new to the field or have been walking alongside others for years, this is for you.
