15/07/2026
💙 Bowel cancer isn’t just a disease of older adults anymore.
Did you know that bowel cancer is becoming more common in people under 50?
While the majority of bowel cancer still occurs in older adults, Australia and many other countries have seen a concerning rise in early-onset bowel cancer over the past two decades.
🚩 Don’t ignore symptoms such as:
• Blood in your stool
• A persistent change in bowel habits
• Ongoing abdominal pain or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Iron deficiency anaemia or unusual fatigue
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer—but they should always be assessed by your GP.
For people without symptoms, bowel cancer screening remains one of the best ways to detect cancer early, often before symptoms develop. In Australia, eligible people aged 45–49 can now request a free bowel screening kit, and those aged 50–74 are invited to screen every two years.
At Anketell Family Practice & Skin Clinic, we’re here to help with:
✅ Assessment of bowel symptoms
✅ Bowel cancer screening advice
✅ Family history risk assessment
✅ Referrals for colonoscopy when appropriate
Early detection saves lives. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t put it off—come and have a chat with your GP. 💙
