Decembeard – Raising Awareness for Bowel Cancer in Men

Decembeard in Australia is now in its 7^th year. The aim of this campaign is to have men raising awareness about bowel cancer in men. Did you know that 1 in 11 Australian men will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime? It affects men of all ages, but significantly increases in risk from the age of 50.

The choices you make related to diet, lifestyle, health screening and surveillance can influence your bowel cancer risk. These risk factors in your life are modifiable, meaning you can take action to reduce the impact they have on your bowel cancer risk. If you would like to discuss these modifiable risk factors and are aged 45-49years old, enquire with us at the Panaceum about your eligibility for a free Health Assessment with our Nurses.

Some things like age, personal and family history cannot be changed but can also increase your risk of bowel cancer.

Did you know?

• Bowel cancer is the 3^rd deadliest cancer in men.
• It kills 2900 men each year, and 10% of those are under 55 years old.
• Bowel Cancer Australia recommends participating in appropriate screening which is offered every 2 years from the age of 50.
• If you have a family history of bowel cancer, speak to your GP and consider beginning this free testing from the age of 45.
• Testing kits can be obtained from pharmacies and at http://bowelscreenaustralia.org/

What to look out for:

• Change in bowel habits.
• Change in appearance of bowel movements.
• Blood in bowel movements or rectal bleeding.
• Unexplained tiredness, weakness or weight loss.
• Abdominal pain, especially if severe.
• Lumps or pain near rectum.

These symptoms are not isolated to bowel cancer, so if you are concerned, seek a review with your regular GP.

Want to know what you can do to help lower your risk or prevent bowel cancer?

Visit https://www.decembeard.org.au/bowel-cancer-in-men