The Jodi Lee Foundation

We’ve joined forces with the Jodi Lee Foundation to help prevent bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia. Every week, bowel cancer kills as many Australians as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer combined. But it can be prevented.

In fact, 90% of cases can be successfully treated if found early.

Taking a simple screening test – recommended from age 50 – is the easiest way to make bowel cancer disappear.

The more tests that are taken, the less we’ll see of bowel cancer.

For more information or to donate visit jodileefoundation.org.au

Bowel Cancer Facts

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer claiming over 4,000 lives a year.

In 2017 more than 16,000 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer, and this figure is expected to increase to almost 20,000 by 2020.

The older you are, the greater your chance of developing bowel cancer. Risk levels increase four-fold during your 40s and continues to rise sharply and progressively from the age of 50.

 

Preventing Bowel Cancer

Screening
Regular screening is essential because bowel cancer can be present for many years before symptoms develop. Medical guidelines recommend screening at least once every two years from age 50, but more than 1,000 people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with the disease each year. You should never be told you’re too young to have bowel cancer.

Screening is simple and done in the privacy of your own home. Tests are available from a range of pharmacies, GPs and online for $39.95.

Family History
Knowing your family history of bowel cancer could save your life.

The Jodi Lee foundation have built a website which helps you record relevant family history and provides an assessment on your bowel cancer risk to discuss with your GP. Go to knowyourrisk.org.au.

Symptoms
Be aware of symptoms and act quickly to increase your chances of early detection. Regardless of your age, speak to your GP immediately if you experience a change in bowel habits for more than two weeks.

Diet & Lifestyle
A healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer. It is recommended you avoid smoking, have limited alcohol, exercise regularly and eat healthy foods. For more tips to improve your health click here.

The Jodi Lee Foundation and Cavpower

Cavpower recently ran the Jodi Lee Foundation’s Workplace Prevention Program, which educates employees about bowel cancer prevention and provides them with screening kits. Of the 156 tests completed by Cavpower employees there were 24 positive results, and at least five people had medical procedures to prevent the onset of bowel cancer – a fantastic outcome.