Attention Australia: How You Can Help Lower Your Risk of Bowel Cancer

It’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and here’s what that means for you.

Bowel cancer doesn’t always make headlines, but it affects more Australians than you might think.

In fact, it’s the second deadliest cancer in Australia, yet more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing).

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about it, especially here in Melbourne where busy lifestyles can often push our own health down the list.

At High Street Medical Clinic, We’re Making Bowel Cancer Less Overwhelming. We Discuss:

• What Bowel Cancer Is, And How Common It Is in Australia
• What Increases the Risk of Bowel Cancer
• Why Bowel Cancer Is So Serious in Australia
• Everyday Ways to Lower the Risk of Bowel Cancer:
  
  • Young Adults (20s–40s) With Fast-Paced Lifestyles
  • Families
  • Older Australians (65+)
• Possible Bowel Cancer Symptoms
• What you Can Do

What Is Bowel Cancer, And How Common Is It in Australia?

Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) affects the lower part of the digestive system; the colon or rectum.

It usually starts from small growths called polyps, which can turn cancerous over time.

In Australia:

• Around 15,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year
• 1 in 13 Australians will develop it in their lifetime
• It affects men and women, often over the age of 50 (but it’s increasing in younger age groups too)

The good news? Early detection can make a huge difference. That’s why awareness, check-ups and prevention matter so much.

Find out more about Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

What Increases the Risk of Bowel Cancer?

Some risk factors are outside of our control (like family history or age), but many are lifestyle-related meaning there’s a lot you can do to reduce the risks.

Common factors linked to a higher risk include:

• A diet high in processed or red meat. Because compounds formed during processing and cooking can damage cells in the bowel.
• Low fibre intake. Because fibre helps keep your digestive system moving and reduces contact time between waste and the bowel lining.
• Smoking and regular alcohol use. Because they contribute to inflammation and cell damage throughout the body, including the bowel.
• Inactivity or sitting for long periods. Because regular movement supports healthy digestion.
• Being overweight or carrying excess belly fat. Because abdominal fat can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which raise cancer risk.
• Type 2 diabetes. Because higher insulin levels and chronic inflammation can cause abnormal cell growth.
• Not getting screened. Because early-stage bowel cancer often has no symptoms, and screening helps find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.

Why Is Bowel Cancer So Serious in Australia?

Despite being preventable and treatable, bowel cancer is still a major cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, more than breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Many cases aren’t picked up until they’re advanced, especially in people under 50 who may not consider themselves at risk.

That’s why early testing, tailored lifestyle choices, and simply knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

Everyday Ways to Lower the Risk of Bowel Cancer

Young Adults (20s–40s) With Fast-Paced Lifestyles

You might feel healthy, but bowel cancer doesn’t always wait until you’re older.

1. Quick-fix meals? Add fibre. Choose high-fibre breads, oats, or beans with your regular meals. Fibre supports healthy digestion and reduces polyp formation.
2. Cut down on processed meats. Think less bacon, more lean options like chicken or tofu.
3. Don’t skip the toilet chat! Blood in your stool, unexpected weight loss, or ongoing gut changes: Chat to your GP early (no awkwardness here).
4. Move more, even in short bursts. Walking meetings, quick home workouts, or even standing while on calls adds up and makes a difference.

Families in Melbourne

Busy with school drop-offs and dinner prep? Make prevention part of family life.

1. Swap one dinner a week to a plant-based or fibre-rich option like veggie curry, lentil bolognese or chickpea stir-fry. Take a look here for some inspo.
2. Get kids involved. Teaching children about healthy gut habits early helps shape lifelong choices.
3. Keep an eye on family history. If a parent or sibling had bowel cancer, speak to your GP about earlier screening options.
4. Model habits. When parents take their own health seriously, kids notice. Make exercise a part of life, not a once off rarity.

Older Australians (65+)

This group has the highest rates of bowel cancer, but also the high chances when it’s caught early.

1. Do the at-home bowel screening test. Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can do a free test at home every 2 years. Take a look at the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Do it, and send it back.
2. Book regular check-ups. A simple chat can identify any warning signs or track any changes in digestion or energy.
3. Reduce alcohol gradually. If you drink regularly, aim for at least a few alcohol-free days each week. Better yet, do Dry July and support people affected by cancer.
4. Keep meals balanced. Include whole grains, vegetables, and water, and watch for any changes in appetite or bowel habits.

Important: If you suspect you have any symptoms, it’s not time to panic, nor does it confirm you have bowel cancer. Some symptoms, or similar symptoms, can result from other causes. The best bet is to see a doctor for a professional opinion.

Book a check-up here.