As a homecare provider, we want to inform you that the month of June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM).

A Bowel Cancer Australia initiative, BCAM aims to raise awareness about Australia’s second deadliest cancer. Bowel Cancer Australia reports that the disease kills 103 Australians every week but says that it's one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early. 

“While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease does not discriminate, affecting men and women, young and old. 

“300 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer this week," Bowel Cancer Australia reports. 

Risks 

There are two kinds of risk factors for bowel cancer – those that can be changed (modifiable) and those that cannot (non-modifiable). Bowel cancer risk is increased by smoking, eating an excessive amount of red meat (especially when charred), eating processed meats (smoked, cured, salted or preserved), drinking alcohol, and being overweight or obese. Age, family history, hereditary conditions and personal health history can also influence bowel cancer risk. 

People with certain diseases and illnesses seem to be more prone to developing bowel cancer. These include Type II diabetes, other forms of closely linked cancer such as ovarian or digestive system cancers, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.  

Symptoms  

During the early stages of bowel cancer, symptoms may not occur, which is why screening is so important. 

Bowel Cancer Australia lists some of the symptoms of the disease:  

• Blood in your poo or rectal bleeding 
• A recent, persistent change in bowel habit (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling or incomplete emptying) 
• A change in the shape or appearance of your poo (e.g. narrower poos or mucus in poo) 
• Abdominal pain or swelling 
• Pain or a lump in the anus or rectum 
• Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness, weakness, or weight loss 

Screening 

For people at average or near average risk of bowel cancer, Australian medical guidelines recommend screening using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every 2 years between ages 50-74. The guidelines also state GPs can offer a FIT every 2 years to people aged 45-49 who request it, after being fully informed of the benefits (and any possible harms) of testing. 

In May 2018, the American Cancer Society changed its screening guidelines to recommend lowering the starting age for people at average risk of bowel cancer from 50 to 45 years in response to the rising rates of bowel cancer in young and middle-aged populations. The updated guidelines also state for people aged 76-85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person's preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history. 

By 2020, Australia will have a fully implemented National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), whereby people aged 50-74 will receive a taxpayer funded screening test in the mail every 2 years. 

From all of us here at Right at Home,  

In good health. 

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Right Care Right at Home - Caring for Loved Ones at Home

As a home care provider, Right at Home Australia provides support and homecare and assistance for the elderly and for people suffering with illness so they can remain at home together with their loved ones through recovery or maintain an independent life if living with a disability. Our care services fall into several categories of home care for seniors, adults living with a disability and post-operative care including services for those with special care situations caused by complex medical conditions. Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and have a comprehensive portfolio of care services that ensure your loved ones get the care they need. Right at Home also provides care through the NDIS disability scheme. If you or someone you love needs care due to changed conditions because of Coronavirus, we have capacity so give us a call. Our number one priority is the safety of our staff and clients, and we follow strict hygiene and safety protocols. 

If you have enjoyed reading this blog, please share it with you family and friends.

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care) and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney North West; Sydney The Hills; Padstow St George; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Hunter & Port Stephens;  Southern NSW; Toowoomba- Darling Downs; Sunshine Coast; Mackay; Central Queensland; Townsville; Far North Queensland;  Gold Coast South; Gold Coast North; Northern Rivers; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt;