Category: Community Health

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Bowel Cancer Australia’s signature event to raise awareness of bowel cancer and funds for the leading community-funded charity dedicated to helping people impacted by bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer and fourth most common, and it is estimated that one in 20 people will be diagnosed by the time they are 85.

However, it is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early.

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, develops from the inner lining of the bowel. It is usually preceded by growths called polyps, which may become invasive cancer if undetected.

Bowel cancer claims the lives of 101 Australians every week (5,276 people a year), and while the risk increases significantly with age, the disease can affect people of all ages. The average age at diagnosis is 69 years old.

People aged 50-74 are sent a bowel screening test every two years as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. From 1st July 2024, people aged 45-49 can also request a free screening kit to be mailed to them. Learn more at bowelcancer.org.au.

Bowel Cancer Australia (2025)

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of bowel cancer include:

  • change in bowel habit including diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling of incomplete emptying
  • a change in the appearance or consistency of bowel movements such as thin bowel stools
  • blood in the stools
  • abdominal pain, bloating or cramping
  • anal or rectal pain
  • a lump in the anus or rectum
  • weight loss
  • unexplained fatigue
  • tiredness and/or anaemia (pale complexion, weakness and breathlessness)
  • blood in the urine or passing urine frequently or during the night, change in urine colour – dark, rusty or brown

If you have any symptoms, you should speak to your GP.

Causes of bowel cancer

Some factors that increase your risk of bowel cancer include:

  • a diet low in fibre
  • high red meat consumption, especially processed meats
  • being overweight or obese
  • alcohol consumption
  • smoking tobacco
  • inherited genetic risk and family history
  • inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease
  • polyps
  • having a previous diagnosis of bowel cancer

Diagnosis of bowel cancer

A number of tests are used to diagnose bowel cancer. Initially, your doctor will give you a physical examination to feel if you have any abdominal swelling. Your doctor will also give you a digital rectal examination to check for any lumps or swelling in the rectum or anus.

You may have a blood test to see if there are any signs that you are losing blood in your stools. It can also check your red blood cell count as low red blood cells are common in people with bowel cancer.

You may have an iFOBT (often referred to as FOBT) depending on your symptoms. The test may be used if you have abdominal pain, changes to their bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or anaemia. It is not recommended if you are bleeding from the rectum.

With the iFOBT, you will take a sample of your stools at home. The sample is examined under a microscope for traces of blood which could be a sign of polyps, cancer, or another bowel condition. It does not diagnose cancer but if blood is detected, your doctor will usually recommend a colonoscopy.

People aged 50-74 are sent an iFOBT (also known as a bowel screening test) every two years as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. From 1st July 2024, people aged 45-49 can also request a free screening kit to be mailed to them. Learn more at bowelcancer.org.au.

The best test for bowel cancer is a colonoscopy, which examines the length of the large bowel. Air is pumped into the colon through a flexible tube that is inserted into the anus. A camera on the end of the tube allows your doctor to look for abnormal tissue that is removed for further examination.

This week (9-16 June) is National Blood Donor Week, a heartfelt celebration of the everyday heroes who give life through blood, plasma and platelet donations.

Organised by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, this annual event honours the more than half a million Australians who donate each year, while encouraging others to join their ranks.

Why National Blood Donor Week matters

Every 18 seconds, someone in Australia needs a blood product – whether for surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care or childbirth. Yet, fewer than 1 in 30 Australians donate, despite 1 in 3 needing blood in their lifetime.

National Blood Donor Week is a vital reminder of this gap and a call to action to help close it.

Research by the nation’s blood service found that 75% of Australians say they would donate blood if they knew their blood type was needed.

Lifeblood Principles (Lifeblood, 2025)

2025 Theme: “For all the reasons you give”

This year’s theme celebrates the diversity of motivations behind every donation.

Whether it’s to support cancer patients, honour a loved one or simply enjoy a post-donation treat, every reason is valid – and life-saving.

Lifeblood invites donors to share their personal reasons and join Lifeblood Teams to donate as part of a community.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Campaigns like “Life is the Reason” have helped Lifeblood surpass its goal of recruiting 100,000 new donors this year. By sharing authentic donor stories – from humorous to heartfelt – Lifeblood has inspired thousands to take action.

How You Can Help

  • Check Your Eligibility: Visit lifeblood.com.au to see if you can donate
  • Book a Donation: Schedule an appointment online, via the DonateBlood app, or by calling 13 14 95
  • Join a Lifeblood Team: Donate with friends, colleagues or community groups
  • Share Your Reason: Use social media to tell others why you donate and encourage them to do the same

Every Drop Counts

Whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular, your contribution makes a difference. This National Blood Donor Week, let’s celebrate the reasons we give and the lives we save.

You can read more in our June newsletter!

What do you know about inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in the digestive tract.

The most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are life-long gastrointestinal disorders.

May is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month.

Hosted by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA), this campaign gives Australians an opportunity to understand more about the reality of living with IBD.

We can help people living with these illnesses speak up about the day-to-day issues they face to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek diagnoses.

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that can cause inflammation anywhere in the digestive system.

The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract (the gut) and other organs that help your body break down and absorb food.

Inflammation can cause redness, swelling and pain, and is the body’s response to injury or irritation.

Crohn’s disease most commonly affects the small intestine. Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition, and the intensity of symptoms varies between people.

There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease but medicines, some diet therapies and sometimes surgery can reduce symptoms.

Crohn’s has little effect on life expectancy but can result in life-threatening complications. Most people with Crohn’s disease go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives. 

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis affects the inner surface lining (epithelium) of the large intestine (colon and rectum).

Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition; however, there may be times when there are little to no symptoms (remission) and times when symptoms are more active (flare up).

There is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis, but it can be treated and managed with medication and/or surgery.

Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can also help to reduce disease activity. Ulcerative colitis has little effect on life expectancy.

Symptoms and diagnosis

In Crohn’s disease, inflammation can occur anywhere in the GI tract from the mouth to the anus. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation is limited to large intestine.

Crohn’s disease

People with Crohn’s can experience symptoms differently from each other.

The most common symptoms during a flare are:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Frequent diarrhea (sometimes mixed with mucus and blood) and need to use the toilet
  • Tiredness, fatigue
  • Raised temperature, fever
  • Loss of appetite, weight loss
  • Anaemia (reduced level of blood cells)

Inflammation in the gut can make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients from food, leading to many of these symptoms.

Less common symptoms during a flare are:

  • Joint pain
  • Mouth ulcers (sores)
  • Eye inflammation (uveitis and episcleritis)
  • Liver inflammation, such as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
  • Skin rashes

Ulcerative colitis

People with colitis can experience symptoms differently from each other.

The most common symptoms during a flare are: 

  • Abdominal pain 
  • Frequent diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with mucus and blood) and urgent need to use the toilet often 
  • Tiredness, fatigue 
  • Raised temperature, fever 
  • Loss of appetite, weight loss 
  • Anaemia (reduced level of blood cells) 

Less common symptoms during a flare are: 

  • Joint pain 
  • Mouth ulcers (sores) 
  • Eye inflammation (uveitis and episcleritis) 
  • Liver inflammation, such as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) 
  • Skin rashes 
  • Hair loss 

If you are experiencing any symptoms, book an appointment with your doctor here.

Treatment

Crohn’s disease

There are many ways to manage Crohn’s disease, and what works for someone else may not work for you.

The main goal of Crohn’s disease treatment is to reduce inflammation and symptoms.

Various medications are used to reduce inflammation. For more detailed information, see Crohn’s and Colitis Australia’s page on Medication and IBD.

Diet plays an important role in many aspects of Crohn’s disease, including treating active disease and managing symptoms.

Diet is important to treat many different aspects of Crohn’s disease. There are dietary treatments that may be used to treat malnutrition, symptoms related to active inflammation or bowel sensitivity, and for certain complications of Crohn’s disease.

Surgery for Crohn’s disease is a treatment not everyone will need. Sometimes parts of the bowel are too damaged to be healed by medications and the best way to return you to health is with an operation.

Many operations are now keyhole with quick recovery. The goal of surgery is to keep as much of the bowel as possible while restoring quality of life.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis cannot currently be cured but for most people it can be well managed through medication, lifestyle choices and sometimes surgery.

There are many ways to manage ulcerative colitis, and what works for someone else may not work for you.

The main goal of ulcerative colitis treatment is to reduce symptoms, control inflammation and heal the bowel.

Various medications are used to reduce inflammation. For more detailed information, see Crohn’s and Colitis Australia’s page on Medication and IBD.

Diet has an important role to play in many aspects of ulcerative colitis, including symptom management, ensuring nutritional adequacy and potentially treating active disease or supporting remission.

Surgery for ulcerative colitis is a treatment not everyone will need. Sometimes parts of the bowel are too damaged to be healed by medications and the best way to return you to health is with an operation.

Many operations are now keyhole with quick recovery. The goal of surgery is to keep as much of the bowel as possible while restoring quality of life.

How to help

Shine a Light – World IBD Day

World IBD Day is just around the corner. This year, over 120 sites, landmarks and buildings across Australia will light up in purple as a show of solidarity for the IBD community. By coming together on this day, we can spark meaningful conversations about the realities of living with IBD. This plays a crucial role in improving care, raising awareness, and reminding everyone that they are not alone.

Shine a light at home! Help raise awareness locally by lighting up your house or garden purple. For example, hang purple fairy lights in your garden or program your smart globes to shine purple for the night.

Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and use the campaign hashtags – #FlushTheStigma #WorldIBDDay2025 #ShineALightonIBD

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (2025)

Other ways to help

You can participate in Crohn’s and colitis awareness month by sharing these promotional materials in person or on social media.

You can also fundraise and raise awareness of Crohn’s and colitis in your community or workplace. Find out more about fundraising for CCA here.

Learn more

Visit the Crohn’s & Colitis Australia website for more information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, support and advocacy.

Let’s come together to raise awareness of IBD this May!

Are you looking to get more involved in your community? A free wellbeing service in Melbourne could be exactly what you need.

Social connection, when organised well, helps to weave a web of relationships and support in our local communities so that we can live our lives in the way that we want to, with meaning, purpose and connection, whatever our age or stage of life.

Connect Local is a FREE program linking over 65s to supports and activities in Melbourne. Connect Local promotes social connection by linking you to local services and activities you never knew existed.

How does it work?

So, how do you get started?

It’s simple: tell Connect Local what you want to do more of (e.g. singing, reading, gardening) and they will help connect you with a relevant community group that already exists in Glen Eira!

Connect Local can help you…

  • Find out about local activities and services and connect you to them
  • Do things that interest you with others in your community
  • Meet more people in your local area
  • Share new experiences with others

If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please call 1800 929 022 or email enquiries@connectlocal.org.au.

Stay informed

Did you know that Eastbound produces a monthly digital newsletter?

We deliver important community health updates and clinic news to your inbox.

Our October newsletter is out now! Read it here.

Not yet subscribed?

Simply navigate to the bottom of this page and fill out the form.

Time for a check-up? Book an appointment with your GP today.

Are you looking for health, disability or social support services? Discover how you can live better with Better Health Network.

Better Health Network (BHN) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a wide range of integrated health, disability and social support services in Melbourne’s inner south and south-east. There is a BHN hub right near Eastbound Clinic, just off Centre Road in Bentleigh East.

How does it work?

Better Health Network offers a variety of integrated health, disability and social support services to help people live better.

Some of BHN’s popular services include:

  • Social connection, health & wellbeing groups
  • Community transport
  • Counselling & mental health
  • Child, youth & family services
  • Carer respite support
  • Dementia support services
  • Home care packages
  • Hydrotherapy

At Eastbound, we have brochures available in our waiting area for patients who may benefit from Better Health Network’s services. You can also learn more here.

Stay informed

Did you know that Eastbound produces a monthly digital newsletter?

We deliver important community health updates and clinic news to your inbox.

Our November newsletter is out now! Read it here.

Not yet subscribed?

Simply navigate to the bottom of this page and fill out the form.

Time for a check-up? Book an appointment with your GP today.