With your support we’re making an impact!
Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading 100% community-funded charity dedicated to championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.
For almost 25 years, Bowel Cancer Australia has been creating positive change across the care continuum and our impact continues to be felt nationwide, thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our dedicated fundraisers, supporters, staff, board, ambassadors, and patrons.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to champion what matters most for the 153,000 Australians living with or beyond bowel cancer and their loved ones, empowering everyone affected to live their best life.
During 2023, we launched the latest Australian research which revealed younger people with bowel cancer symptoms found themselves self-advocating as the only consistent and reliable resource for overcoming age bias, barriers to diagnosis, and optimising outcomes for the deadliest cancer in those aged 25-44.
In fact, the risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer before the age of 40 has more than doubled since the year 2000.
In June, Australians impacted by early-onset bowel cancer from around the country visited Parliament House to participate in Bowel Cancer Australia’s inaugural Call on Canberra to raise awareness and advocate for important policy change.
A key five-year Bowel Cancer Australia campaign reached a milestone later in the year with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) endorsing updated clinical practice guidelines recommending lowering the bowel cancer screening start age to 45.
For the first time, population screening (for people at average risk, without symptoms) is recommended for people aged 45-74 (previously 50-74), with a recommended drop in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) start age from 50 to 45.
People aged 40-44 are able to request screening every two years via their GP prior to receiving their first NBCSP invitation once the age drops to 45. Similarly, people aged 75-85 who are fit, well and healthy are able to request screening.
The final instalment of Bowel Cancer Australia’s bold advertising campaign featuring acclaimed actress Miriam Margolyes OBE aired in the lead up to Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, completing the three-part series featuring a computer-generated model with a 'talking bowel'.
Despite bowel cancer being Australia’s second deadliest cancer, and with over 15,500 new cases each year, bowel cancer patients do not receive the same level of support as other common cancers, with eight in ten bowel cancer patients identifying often missing access to a specialist nurse in-person or by phone as one of the most important aspects of their care coordination.
Bowel Cancer Australia has been working to close that gap over the past twelve years by offering telehealth support to bowel cancer patients across Australia, long before it became common practice.
Bowel Cancer Australia continues to make significant workforce additions with the appointment of specialist Bowel Care Nurses and an expansion of our psychosocial telehealth support team.
Thanks to the support of 728 fundraisers, Dry July raised over $365,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia, helping to deliver practical, tangible support services for bowel cancer patients.
Over the past two decades, advancements have occurred in the prevention, early detection, research, and treatment of bowel cancer, and with your support, Bowel Cancer Australia has played a leading role.
2023 marked the fifth anniversary of Professor Mark Molloy’s appointment as the Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research.
The University of Sydney’s partnership with Bowel Cancer Australia provides a vital platform for accelerating global efforts to reduce the burden of bowel cancer through pioneering research.
We advocate for robust and meaningful inclusion of the lived-experience perspective in all decisions affecting patients, including access, affordability, and healthcare delivery of new medicines, tests, or services, and the implementation of patient-reported measures.
The 2019 Medicare item numbers for colonoscopy, reviewed in 2023, were the most dramatic change since they were created, and while there are no restrictions for people accessing colonoscopy if they have new symptoms or a positive screening test result, many patients with a personal or family history of the disease have been affected, resulting in stress and anxiety.
Given people under the age of 50 have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer when they experience one or more symptoms of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea and iron deficiency anaemia between three months and two years prior to diagnosis, Bowel Cancer Australia expressed a concern that limiting direct access to colonoscopy could lead to significant delays in diagnosis.
Throughout the year we launched new resources including the first consensus recommendations for early-onset bowel cancer; a bowel prep resource to help people prepare for colonoscopy given inadequate bowel prep is observed in around 7% of all colonoscopies; as well as a new emotional wellbeing resource complete with strategies and techniques to manage living with or beyond bowel cancer.
Proudly 100% community-funded, together, we are challenging perceptions, overcoming barriers, and creating meaningful change across the care continuum through awareness, advocacy, and integrated research to improve access to personalised treatments and patient-centred care.
We thank you for your continued support.
Craig M Jackson
Chairman
Julien Wiggins
CEO
Timeline of events & our achievements
Bowel Cancer Australia is the trusted national voice on bowel cancer, championing what matters most to people affected by bowel cancer.
Our financial independence affords us the freedom to be a dissenting voice as required and has enabled us to invest in priorities that lead to meaningful change, influence public policy, engage more people in life-saving conversations, focus support on patients’ needs, and fund vital research.
Click here to view the timeline of events and our achievements.
A decade of impact in numbers
The groundbreaking work of Bowel Cancer Australia’s ambassadors and advocates is highly regarded. Turning science and statistics into something people can understand and care about, Advocate Stephanie Kaye (2014), Ambassador Erin Molan (2015), Spokesperson Amanda Richardson (2015), and Ambassador Stephanie Bansemer-Brown (2021) have all been honoured by the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) and commended for their contributions.
In 2022, Bowel Cancer Australia’s Medical Director, A/Prof Graham Newstead AM, was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Individuals selected for Honorary Fellowship generally practice outside of the United States, possess an international reputation in the field of surgery or medicine, and have provided distinguished humanitarian service in the field of medical science.
Bowel Cancer Australia Marketing and Publicity Manager and bowel cancer survivor, Stephanie Bansemer-Brown, has won the CSSANZ Media Award for The Bottom Line Podcast, launched in 2020.
Hosted by Stephanie, the podcast shares stories and lived experiences and hears from the health professionals who treat those navigating the bowel cancer journey. It aims to encourage and inspire by addressing a range of issues around bowel cancer treatment and care in an easily accessible format which enables knowledge to be shared with a broad audience.
Awards
Stephanie Kaye received her award for her in-depth article about living with young-onset bowel cancer. Erin was recognised for her very personal Channel 9 interview with her sister, who was diagnosed with young onset bowel cancer, and Amanda was recognised for her video interview with a patient living with a stoma.
Bowel Cancer Australia was awarded Best Small Charity of the Year 2019 at the Third Sector Awards in recognition of our contribution to the third sector in a meaningful and impactful way that produces measurable benefits.
Our strong, clear, and purposeful vision and mission; engagement of stakeholders through innovative and unique marketing initiatives; impactful collaborations that drive organisational purpose; and design of solutions based on system-level change were all cited as reasons why we were chosen as the inaugural recipient.
We were also recognised as the NGO of the Year for excellence in commitment and success in a health-focused mission (Australia Doctor Group PRIME 2017); honoured for Excellence in Patient/Customer Support following the release of the bowel cancer app (PRIME 2016); and received the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for the My Cancer, My Voice campaign (PRIME 2014).
In addition, our dynamic campaigns that raise awareness, challenge perceptions and motivate action have been consistently recognised by the commercial advertising industry, including PRIA National Golden Target Awards; ADMA Creativity & Effectiveness Awards (AC&E); as well as Siren Awards.
Bowel cancer is a
leading cause of death for Australians aged 25-84
Help make real change happen!
There are many ways you can get involved and help beat bowel cancer.
Learn how at bowelcanceraustralia.org
What did we do?
YEAR IN REVIEW
We challenged perceptions, raised awareness, and motivated action through dynamic campaigns.
Inaugural Call on Canberra
On Tuesday 20 June, Australians impacted by early-onset bowel cancer from around the country visited Parliament House to participate in Bowel Cancer Australia’s inaugural Call on Canberra to raise awareness and advocate for important policy change.
Bowel Cancer Australia advocates spoke to MPs and Senators in Canberra, calling for:
Increased Federal, State and Territory government funding for colonoscopy services to ensure the public healthcare system meets the clinically recommended (<30 day) target as part of a ‘wait time guarantee’.
Investment and improvement in primary care awareness of age bias and development of early-onset guidelines and referral pathways to ensure timely triage, diagnosis and treatment for younger people.
Lowering the screening start age from 50 to 40 as part of the Clinical Practice Guideline Review.
Too often, younger Australians with bowel cancer symptoms find themselves self-advocating as the only consistent and reliable resource for overcoming age bias and barriers to diagnosis, optimising outcomes for a disease that is not only on the rise, but the deadliest cancer for those aged 25-44.
Youthfulness should not be a barrier to timely diagnosis.
45 is the new 50: Recommended Screening Age Drops
A key five-year Bowel Cancer Australia campaign reached a milestone with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) endorsing updated clinical practice guidelines recommending lowering the bowel cancer screening start age to 45.
For the first time, population screening (for people at average risk, without symptoms) is recommended for people aged 45-74 (previously 50-74), along with a recommended drop in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) start age from 50 to 45.
People aged 40-44 (previously 45-49) are able to request screening every two years via their GP prior to receiving their first NBCSP invitation once the age drops to 45.
Similarly, healthcare professionals can consider offering every two years to people aged 75-85 who are fit, well and healthy and request it, after being fully informed of the benefits and potential harms of testing.
After years of tireless advocacy, Bowel Cancer Australia remains grateful to our passionate team of advocates for their support in raising awareness of early onset bowel cancer.
However, there is still work to be done, and we are now calling on the Federal Government to approve, fund and implement the lower NBCSP screening start age to stop people dying from early-onset bowel cancer.
Over the past 20 years bowel cancer incidence rates have decreased more than any other cancer
Bowel Cancer Australia continued monitoring the impact on diagnosing Australia’s second deadliest cancer. Colonoscopy waitlists that existed prior to COVID-19 were compounded due to the pandemic, increasing the risk for bowel cancer progression and mortality. We also continued to explore and advocate practical solutions to address colonoscopy waitlists.
BowelScreen Australia
gives people who want to screen the opportunity to do so, because bowel cancer won’t wait for medical guidelines to catch-up.
Campaign collaborations
World Cancer Day
In support of World Cancer Day (February 4) we called on Australians to play their part in creating a (bowel) cancer-free world by becoming a Champion For Change, sharing their lived experiences and highlighting inequalities in bowel cancer care:
Despite being the third most diagnosed cancer, bowel cancer patients don’t receive the same level of support as other common cancers.
1-in-9 new bowel cancer cases now occur in Australians under age 50, and it is the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25-44.
Bowel cancer patients have experienced some of the longest waits for access to new treatments.
Your health matters, no matter your age. Join us in championing for expanding eligible NBCSP screening ages as well as greater access to timely, affordable colonoscopy.
Everyone deserves access to cancer care. The time to act is now.
World Cancer Day 5K Challenge
This World Cancer Day our supporters got behind the newly launched 5K Challenge, which encouraged participants to complete a 5km loop by running, cycling, swimming, walking, hiking or any other preferred activity, and symbolically close the care gap.
Biomarker testing identifies the unique mutations in your tumour, helping your medical team develop a treatment plan that is tailored to you, more efficient, and less likely to provide unnecessary side effects.
Your biomarker status determines which treatment(s) you are/are not more likely to respond to. It can also help determine if you’re eligible for any clinical trials.
Amanda shared her lived experience and the impact her HER2 biomarker status had on treatment.
You are unique. So is your tumour.
To ensure more people affected by metastatic bowel cancer experience the best possible outcomes, we continued to lead a global campaign with international colleagues, raising awareness about the importance of knowing your biomarker status.
Awareness with impact
The final instalment of Bowel Cancer Australia’s bold 'Give a $#*! About Your Bowel' advertising campaign featuring acclaimed actress Miriam Margolyes OBE aired in the lead up to Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2023.
The campaign focused on ‘cancer' with a clear message that when caught early almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.
It completes the three-part series featuring a computer-generated model with a 'talking bowel' and follows on from the previous 'bowel' and 'polyp' focuses.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s Marketing and Publicity Manager, Stephanie Bansemer-Brown, said: “As a bowel cancer survivor, I know only too well the importance of a campaign that truly resonates with its audience to challenge perceptions in an impactful way.”
“Miriam’s generosity in bringing the bowel to life coupled with the creative team at AIRBAG allowed us to create an advertising campaign with longevity that tackles the problem head on, urging Australians to give a shit about their bowel.”
AIRBAG’s Executive Producer, Martin Box said, “We loved working on this project as bowel cancer awareness is such an important message that needs to be heard. We share a common goal with Bowel Cancer Australia in wanting to break through the vanilla messaging, giving it a new voice that is memorable, funny and a bit confronting.”
For AIRBAG Director, Travis Hogg, the addition of Miriam’s voice in the second and third instalments elevated the campaign to a new level.
“Miriam's portrayal of the voice of the bowel is pure genius. The contrast between her refined English accent with her downright pissed-off attitude makes a serious message engaging and something you want to listen to again and again,” he said.
Almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected early so it’s imperative people know the symptoms and have them investigated – it’s time to “GIVE A $*#! ABOUT YOUR BOWEL”.
Click here to view the high impact video series.
Youthfulness should not be a barrier to timely bowel cancer diagnosis
During Bowel Cancer Awareness Month we launched the latest Australian research which revealed younger people with bowel cancer symptoms found themselves self-advocating as the only consistent and reliable resource for overcoming age bias, barriers to diagnosis, and optimising outcomes for the deadliest cancer in those aged 25-44.
Published in the BMJ Open and BMC Primary Care, the studies are the first to investigate the perspectives of early-onset bowel cancer patients regarding ways to improve experiences of care in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Chief Investigator, Dr Klay Lamprell, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, said ‘Young people with bowel cancer say the same the world over. Because they are young, they are overlooked for bowel cancer.’
‘The research found younger people may spend between three months and five years seeing multiple doctors before diagnosis. They may make ten or more visits to GPs.’
‘Even when younger people experience blood in their poo or rectal bleeding, GPs may not immediately refer them to specialists for further testing,’ Dr Lamprell added.
Early-onset bowel cancer patients differ from later-onset bowel cancer patients in their diagnostic trajectories; time to diagnosis can be 60% longer with a greater number of missed diagnostic opportunities, and younger people are more likely to be diagnosed in later stages of the disease.
Late-stage diagnosis increases the likelihood of aggressive treatment with physical, psychosocial, and quality of life outcomes that are uniquely challenging for this under-50 patient population, especially with regards to fertility and ostomy management.
‘Patients perceive their GPs’ low suspicion of cancer given their age as an age bias that shapes the nature of clinical assessments, influences the investigations conducted and referrals given, and creates tensions which obstruct shared decision-making,’ Dr Lamprell said.
Eventual referrals and lengthy wait times for non-urgent colonoscopies were also a common theme of delayed diagnosis and a cause of patient dissatisfaction with GPs.
‘Young people seeking diagnosis are also challenged by limited clinical awareness of early-onset bowel cancer.’
‘Our research concludes that with the rising global incidence of bowel cancer in people aged under 50, there is a mounting imperative for GPs to receive more information and clinical guidance on early-onset bowel cancer diagnosis,’ Dr Lamprell concluded.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Our signature awareness and fundraising event in June reinforced the importance of being bowel cancer aware and not ignoring symptoms.
Bowel Cancer Australia was mentioned in over 676 news stories, reaching more than
25.4 million people.
Red Apple Day
Our Annual Giving Day
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but we want this deliciously crunchy fruit to take on a whole new meaning.
The Morning Show again partnered with Bowel Cancer Australia for Red Apple Day, our Annual Giving Day.
Donations received on 21 June were matched thanks to our generous matching partners, doubling the impact for early-onset bowel cancer research to build a path toward a cure.
Over $236,795 was raised to fund promising, high-impact, early-onset bowel cancer research endeavours to help improve our knowledge and understanding of the disease.
The impact of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month on screening-uptake is clear when reviewing Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data.
Since 2014, the majority of National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) kits are being completed in the June and September quarters.
Collaboration.
We collaborated with peak bodies, patient/consumer and healthcare organisations as well as industry, nationally and internationally. The value of collective voice and shared commitment to patient-centred care helps amplify our efforts in championing what matters most to people affected by bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for people aged 25-44.
The risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer before the age of 40 has more than doubled since the year 2000.
Decembhair
Our annual hair-raising fundraiser Decembhair saw hundreds of people be bold to help create real change by cutting, colouring, shaving, waxing, and growing their hair, or sponsoring others.
In March 2023 Richard was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer.
"As a stereotypical Aussie bloke, I felt that by having to relent to medical intervention that this was a sign of weakness. I mean, I hadn't seen my GP for over a decade, played and coached sport my whole life, ate well and hadn't drunk any alcohol for 6 years. Healthy right? No, couldn't be further from the truth." ~ Richard
Almost ten years ago, Steve was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer, aged 37.
“We thought what better way to celebrate than to raise money for Bowel Cancer Australia by shaving our heads! Since diagnosis, he has had two stints of chemo, one of radiation, 3 hospital stays and 2 major surgeries, removing over 30cm of bowel. We hope the money we raised will help with treatment options for others, and earlier detection/testing!" ~ Katie
Meat Free Week
We challenged Australians to try a plant-based menu for seven days, to encourage thinking about the impact that eating too much meat can have on bowel cancer risk.
Kick Ass
We celebrated all the Aussie women living with or beyond bowel cancer along with all the special women we remember in our hearts.
We provided practical and emotional support and built communities through shared, lived experiences.
Diagnosed with the ‘wrong cancer’
“I felt invisible. While other patients had access to nurse support,
I was left to deal with my disease alone.” ~ Steff
Providing Support
Telehealth nursing
Described as a 'lifeline' by patients and their loved ones, our telenursing service continues to expand, providing personalised care and tailored support nationwide.
With expertise in intensive care, oncology and stomal therapy, our friendly telehealth nurses assist patients, family, friends, and concerned members of the community.
In-person nursing
We fund specialist Bowel Care Nurses who act as a point of contact for patients and their families as they navigate the health system – providing advice, education, support and direct patient care to the regional communities of Shepparton and Ballarat, Victoria and the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Telehealth nutrition
Our telenutrition service continues to offer tailored nutritional support by phone, email or video call.
Providing guidance that’s practical, sustainable and evidence-based, our nutritionists have seen growing demand for support from Australians living with or beyond bowel cancer who report receiving minimal to no guidance regarding diet and nutrition during treatment and recovery.
Psychosocial support
Bowel Cancer Australia supports patients and their families who have been affected by bowel cancer, by providing holistic specialist psychosocial care throughout the care continuum – from diagnosis, treatment, recovery and living beyond bowel cancer, to palliative care and bereavement.
With specialist knowledge in cancer oncology, palliative care and therapeutic counselling, our psychosocial support team can offer telehealth support that addresses the needs of patients and their loved ones.
Peer-to-Peer support
Our Peer-to-Peer Support Network is the only national support group connecting bowel cancer patients and loved ones on a one-to-one basis helping to reduce feelings of isolation.
It enables members to share their lived-experience in an informal and mutually beneficial way, offering guidance that is practical, personal, and relevant.
The Movement: Wellness Beyond Diagnosis
The Movement - Wellness Beyond Diagnosis is a free, online nurse-moderated community developed by bowel cancer patients for bowel cancer patients.
Overcoming the barriers of hospital-based survivorship programs, The Movement provides equitable access to care and offers peer support, community connection, and expert resources to help patients better understand their condition and treatment side effects.
The closed Facebook Group features monthly presentations by healthcare professionals from across the care continuum, and access to resources, as well as facilitated live chats for members to connect with one another.
Meaningful Movement
With over 20 years’ experience as a personal trainer and more recently, five years as fitness educator with the Australian Institute of Fitness, Stage IV bowel cancer thriver, Anthony, launched Meaningful Movement, a series of low, medium and high intensity exercise programs specifically designed for bowel cancer patients before, during and after treatment.
The Bottom Line Podcast is hosted by bowel cancer survivor, Stephanie Bansemer-Brown, who chats with patients living with or beyond bowel cancer, as well as health professionals involved in bowel cancer treatment and care.
Fabulous, informative and reassuring.
“As a stage three young-onset bowel cancer survivor I found this podcast fascinating and reassuring. Along with the help of Bowel Cancer Australia and the fabulous teams involved in Australian medical systems this podcast is a brilliant life line of help and hope.”
~ Ainsley
We empowered people with the tools and knowledge to be advocates for their own health and give real meaning to the term ‘patient-centred care’.
Early-Onset Bowel Cancer
Clinical Practice Guidelines
If you have been diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer
(< age 50), you are managed according to clinical practice guidelines that are not age specific. Until now.
As part of Bowel Cancer Australia’s #N2Y Advocacy Agenda, we have summarised the first consensus recommendations for early-onset bowel cancer, helping empower patients to be advocates for their own health.
In 2023, a multidisciplinary international group (DIRECt), composed of a panel of 69 experts, was convened to develop the first evidence-based consensus recommendations for early-onset bowel cancer.
31 statements were produced across various topics, including: risk factors; symptoms, endoscopic detection, diagnosis, and treatment; genetics; pathology; surgery; oncological treatment; fertility; supportive care; and surveillance. Each statement underwent three rounds of voting and reached a consensus level of agreement of ≥80%.
The main recommendations were as follows:
If you are younger than 50, you should undergo risk stratification (based on family history) and prompt symptom assessment for bowel cancer.
If you have been newly diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer, you should receive germline genetic testing (multigene panel), ideally before treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer, you should be referred to a reproductive medicine or fertility specialist to discuss:
the potential impact on your reproductive function and any risk of infertility;
your fertility preservation options, if needed;
any potential issues with pregnancy or menopause.
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Bowel Cancer Australia launched a new resource to help patients ‘bowel prep’ prior to colonoscopy.
In Australia, inadequate bowel prep is observed in around 7% of all colonoscopies. With more than 900,000 colonoscopies performed annually in the country, this can equate to as many as 63,000 inadequate bowel preparations leading to poor or cancelled colonoscopies.
Inadequate bowel prep can lead to the cancellation of a colonoscopy and having it rescheduled, which impacts waitlists. If the colonoscopy does proceed, it can be less effective as polyps and bowel cancer are more likely to be missed due to poor visibility.
The new bowel prep resource provides a list of easy steps for users to follow, reminders at each step, and videos to help explain the bowel prep and white / low-residue diet. Users can amend the timing of steps as advised by their colonoscopist, if needed.
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When you are first diagnosed with bowel cancer, it may bring up a variety of intense emotions, which can vary considerably from one day to the next.
You may feel numb, shocked or in disbelief. You may feel distressed or overwhelmingly sad. You may experience anger, fear, anxiety, a sense of grief or loss, or even relief at finally having an answer.
Everyone reacts differently and there is no right or wrong way to react to a new diagnosis.
You may worry about the loss of your health, changes in your appearance, or not being able to work or carry on with your life as it was. You may feel a loss of independence or a change in your relationships or sense of self. Your plans and life goals may seem uncertain or suddenly change.
Our new emotional wellbeing resource provides suggestions on coping with your diagnosis, telling loved ones about your diagnosis, as well as coping strategies and grounding techniques to manage fear, anxiety, and depression.
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Complementary and alternative medicine are treatments viewed as separate from conventional cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Complementary therapies which help with wellbeing and support mind and body – such as massage, meditation, music therapy, imagery, hypnosis, self-expression, exercise, and acupuncture – are generally thought of as safe and often beneficial to use alongside your conventional cancer treatment. They may help to give you a sense of wellbeing and calm.
Most alternative medicines have not been through such rigorous testing and there is little evidence to show they work as intended. In fact, some are absorbed into the blood stream and may interfere with chemotherapy, lessening its effects or increasing side effects.
Our new complementary and alternative medicine resource outlines examples of complementary and alternative therapies, as well as the safety and regulation of complementary and alternative therapies in Australia, and questions to ask your specialist.
My Colonoscopy Experience.
Understanding the patient’s view on health service delivery is an essential component of patient-centred care, performance monitoring and quality improvement – which we highlighted in our submission to the NBCSP review.
In 2018 we launched My Colonoscopy Experience, a nationwide patient-reported experience questionnaire, because patient colonoscopy experience was not being measured in Australia.
My Bowel Cancer, My Voice.
My Bowel Cancer, My Voice is a free tool that supports patients as active participants in decision-making about their bowel cancer treatment and care.
After patients complete each questionnaire, an Outcome Summary Report is created highlighting how treatment is affecting their quality of life in measurable terms, so their needs and preferences can be considered in decision-making that impacts their care.
Healthcare professionals can use patient-reported outcomes information to tailor treatment options and reflect on quality improvement measures for all bowel cancer patients, which can also benefit research and clinical trials.
Colonoscopy wait-times
We continue to advocate for colonoscopy within 30 days from first healthcare presentation for people experiencing bowel cancer symptoms or a positive screen, because when detected early, nearly 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.
Wait times for those who received a NBCSP positive screen varied between 119 and 235 days depending on where participants lived.
Only 15.6% of participants with a positive screen received their colonoscopy within the recommended 30 days.
Colonoscopy wait times were further compounded by the suspension of elective surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access to new treatments
We continue to advocate for immediate affordable access following Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval of a medicine, so patients can benefit from life-saving and life-extending treatments sooner, while the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) processes and price negotiations continue.
We continue horizon scanning for new treatment options approved overseas, advocating for them to be indicated and subsidised for patients in Australia. On our radar are:
Avzivi (bevacizumab-tnjn), a biosimilar brand of Avastin, approved by the FDA in December 2023.
Fruzaqla (fruquintinib), approved by the FDA in November 2023 for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic bowel cancer.
Tukysa (tucatinib) in combination with Herzuma (trastuzumab), a biosimilar brand of Herceptin, approved by the FDA in January 2023, for RAS wild-type HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic bowel cancer.
The ‘Patient Access Gap’.
The Patient Access Gap refers to the time in days patients must wait between the date a medicine is authorised for use in Australia (TGA approved/ARTG listed) and the date that it is listed on the PBS and affordably available.
Bowel cancer patients have experienced some of the longest waits, with one life-extending medication taking more than six years and a record eight submissions before being listed on the PBS as a subsidised treatment.
Cancer treatment is time sensitive, and many patients don’t have time to wait, which is why Bowel Cancer Australia advocates for immediate access following approval of a drug, so patients can benefit from treatments, particularly life-saving drugs, while PBAC processes and price negotiations continue.
Advocacy Network
Patients feel they have the 'wrong cancer' due to a lack of dedicated support services and low awareness of the disease.
Help shift public perceptions and shape healthcare policies that affect over 146,000 people living with or beyond bowel cancer at a state/territory and federal level.
If not you, then who?
We invest in research that has the
potential to improve survival and
builds a path towards a cure.
Every dollar invested in health and medical research returns on average more than two dollars in health benefits.
Since inception, Bowel Cancer Australia, in collaboration with funding partners, has invested more than $13.9 million in bowel cancer research, including the establishment of the Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research in perpetuity, whose research team is dedicated to cutting edge bowel cancer discoveries that aim to have an everlasting impact on Australia's health future.
Driving bowel cancer discoveries
2023 marked the fifth anniversary of Professor Mark Molloy’s appointment as the Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research.
The University of Sydney’s partnership with Bowel Cancer Australia provides a vital platform for accelerating global efforts to reduce the burden of bowel cancer through pioneering research.
With Bowel Cancer Australia’s support, Professor Mark Molloy and his team of talented scientists continue to pursue a range of exciting research projects to unlock discoveries that could improve patient outcomes.
Professor Molloy and his team worked to complete Phase 1 of the Integrated Molecular Analysis of Polyps (IMAP) study and commenced a range of new research projects in rectal cancer, colorectal liver metastasis and disease chemoprevention, from grants awarded in late 2022.
The research team hosted a visiting PhD scholar for three months from the University of Zaragoza, Spain, as part of a blood biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis collaboration.
Ms Anh Pham joined the team in August to spend 12 months as an Honours research student studying bowel cancer recurrence.
In 2023, Professor Molloy was successful in securing competitive funding from the Department of Education, National Industry PhD Program; a NHMRC Equipment Grant; NSW Health Data Science Support; as well as supporting funds from the Bowel Cancer Research Foundation, with a combined total of $771,000.
Click here for a full list of research publications.
Research highlights
Integrated Molecular Analysis of Polyps (IMAP)
The research team completed whole exome DNA sequencing of early bowel polyps to determine the average number of mutations per polyp as bowel cancers have a higher average mutational burden.
The team observed some polyps could possess large mutational burdens despite their small size – a previously unknown finding as it had been assumed small polyps would have low mutational burdens. These findings may help explain why bowel cancers occur between surveillance colonoscopy intervals.
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Immune cell study
Little is known regarding the immune cells present in early bowel polyps. The research team observed an increased density of T-cells in polyps compared with healthy tissue. This information will form the basis of further study to understand how specific immune cells contribute to bowel polyp growth and whether manipulating their presence could help prevent growth.
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Microbiome study
Most research studies have focused on the microbiome from patient stool, whereas the research team focused on the microbiome associated with bowel polyps. The team discovered oral bacteria found in patients with bowel polyps which was not present in people without bowel polyps. A similar finding has been reported for bowel tumours, so the team is eager to continue researching the pre-cancer association.
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Colorectal liver metastases
The research team completed a proteomic and genomic analysis of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) from patients with early recurrence as well as people living beyond bowel cancer following liver surgery.
The research team continues to collaborate with German colleagues to establish an international CRLM proteomic map, which Professor Molloy anticipates will be the first large-scale, international proteomic study of CRLM.
“My team is committed to undertaking high-quality translational research that addresses clinical questions through the application of cutting-edge science.”
— Professor Mark Molloy, Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research, The University of Sydney
Professor Molloy has been recognised as being in the top 2% of research in his field globally, as identified by a Stanford University study.
$600,000 for early-onset bowel cancer research
Bowel Cancer Australia was a Funding Partner for the 2023 Round of the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme, with a $600,000 funding commitment over three years.
Through the Cancer Australia managed scheme, Bowel Cancer Australia supports innovative and collaborative research across all aspects of early-onset bowel cancer (i.e. people diagnosed under age 50) that has the potential to improve survival and/or help build a path toward a cure.
The Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme is an innovative annual national research project grants funding scheme which brings together government and other funders to collaboratively fund cancer research in Australia.
Cancer Australia collaborates with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in this grant scheme. The NHMRC facilitates registration and initial assessment of applications, and endorses grants funded through this scheme in recognition of their scientific merit.
Making clinical research more accessible
Bowel Cancer Australia is collaborating with Opin to help Australians living with bowel cancer access and engage in clinical trials.
Opin connect participants with clinical trials via their online platform and are working to expand clinical research opportunities and advocating for more clinical trials to be hosted in Australia.
Having access to an immunotherapy clinical trial LITERALLY saved my life.
"Things looked very bad for a few months, and I was faced with the real possibility of dying. Luckily, I was eligible for an immunotherapy trial and after just eight months on the trial, my disease was classed as stable! We thought it was the best news we could hope for. But then, my tumours and nodes just kept shrinking! In May 2022, after 20 rounds and 20 months of immunotherapy, my oncologist gave me the amazing news that I’d had a complete metabolic response to the treatment. I had no evidence of disease!” ~ Taylor
I am so thankful that I was offered the opportunity to participate in this trial, as it meant my care was tailored to suit my needs.
"I was lucky enough to be a candidate to participate in a trial that essentially tested my tumour to check if it was a circulating one. My chemo was based on my specific tumour rather than the general standard of care. This meant that I would have only four rounds instead of eight. So, after four rounds, which included two stays in hospital and COVID, I finished my chemo in early 2023 and returned to work and ‘normal’ life." ~ Tammie
We raised funds to continue our life-saving work and inspired others to do the same
Just two weeks after his bowel cancer diagnosis and surgery, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia driver Mike Sheargold created the N2YGT3 campaign to raise awareness and funds for bowel cancer, with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 proudly displaying a brand new livery.
“I’m feeling a bit sore and tired, but very happy and overwhelmed with the support from my family, friends and motorsport community, not to mention the care and support I’ve received from all the doctors and nurses,” Mike reported from his hospital bed.
Had it not been for the medical examination required for Mike to renew his Motorsport Australia competition licence, the cancer may have remained undetected for some time.
“When I did the medical to renew my licence, the blood test detected low iron levels, so my GP suggested some further tests, which ultimately resulted in the cancer diagnosis,” he said.
“Normally, people don’t commence regular bowel cancer screening until they reach 50, so it could have gone undiagnosed for a long time and ended up becoming far worse. I really have my involvement in motorsport to thank for catching it at such an early stage.”
To kick start the campaign Mike and his wife Lauren, together with the Sheargold Foundation, pledged $50,000 in the hope that with further support this amount could be matched.
The initiative quickly surpassed the initial target of $100,000, and Mike increased the fundraising goal to $150,000.
RAM Motorsport used the motorsport platform to raise awareness of early-onset bowel cancer and support lowering the screening age in response to the increasing rates of bowel cancer in younger people.
Mike made a miraculous comeback to racing, at Round 4 of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia in late July, just six weeks after his surgery, and with chemotherapy yet to commence. He returned to his regular driving duties alongside Garth Walden at Sydney Motorsport Park in the Bowel Cancer Australia Mercedes.
The Bowel Cancer Australia Mercedes was on the track again for Round 5 of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia at Queensland Raceway, with the race culminating in 3rd place and a podium finish.
The campaign exceeded its revised target, raising $168,000.
Dry July
Thanks to the support of 728 fundraisers, Dry July 2023 raised $365,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia, helping to fund more specialist Bowel Care Nurses.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s specialist Bowel Care Nurse program supports the employment of dedicated Bowel Care Nurses in regional communities across the country. Acting as a key point of contact for bowel cancer patients and their families as they navigate the health system in their local area – providing advice, education, support, and direct patient care.
Whatever your inspiration to fundraise or make a donation this Dry July – THANK YOU.
“2023 marked the second year of Time is Precious and we couldn’t be prouder.” ~ Amy and Sarah
On 11 March, Amy and Sarah hosted the second ‘Time is Precious Ball’ at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney.
We put an incredible amount of time and effort in to host 400 guests alongside guest speaker, Jessica Kidd. We raised $82,014 with 100% of proceeds donated to Bowel Cancer Australia.
With the help of ‘Ministry of Rock’ entertainment, the atmosphere was absolutely electric!
The event was held in honour of the late Rob Bosch, who lost his battle to Bowel Cancer in 2019.
Time is Precious
Don’t Shit The Dip – Memorial Darts Fundraiser
“It was such a successful day; we are all very proud!” ~ Rhonda
“I am just so happy that our event was able to raise that amount this year for Bowel Cancer Australia!” ~ Rob
Rhonda and Rob have been holding the darts day fundraising event for ten years in memory of their brother Brian. The event is always held in November around Brian’s birthday. Attendees pay to enter the event and are given a Bowel Cancer Australia ribbon as part of the entry.
This year was the ten-year anniversary of Brian’s passing. Approximately 80 people attended, including family who flew from interstate for the event. One of Brian’s best mates (also named Brian) won the competition this year and took home the Championship Shield for a second time.
The 2023 fundraiser raised a total of $5,852. To date the event has raised $45,266!
Dream of Sunshine Gala Ball
“She fought hard but it took the life out of this strong amazing women.” ~ Casey.
Casey hosted a ‘Dream of Sunshine' Gala Ball to help raise awareness and funds for Bowel Cancer Australia in memory of her mum.
The night included entertainment, a three-course meal, incredible prize draws and so much more!
Casey raised the total amount of $42,600 for Bowel Cancer Australia through her “Dream of Sunshine” Gala Ball held on 4 November at Hyatt Regency Perth with 176 guests in attendance on the night.
Casey chose to host the ball to raise awareness and funds because her mum passed away of bowel cancer in 2018 a month before her first grandchild (Casey’s first child) was born.
Running For Bowel Cancer
“The strength and resilience of those affected by bowel cancer is what inspires me. Each one of you fighting this battle is a hero, and your stories motivate me every day. You carried me every step of the 42km.” ~ Brendan
On 24 December 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage II bowel cancer. For the six months leading up to that point I knew I was unwell, but I was repeatedly told I was ‘too young' for something like bowel cancer. On 9 January 2023, I had a right hemicolectomy to have the tumour removed and since that moment, I have felt compelled to help others.
I ran the Melbourne Half Marathon in July and my first ever full Marathon in October, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. With my friend @fitforlong, we raised awareness and a whopping $21,870 for Bowel Cancer Australia.
There's still much work to be done, but with your continued support, we can make an even bigger impact in the fight against bowel cancer.
L’Hopital Burlesque
“Our primary objectives were to amplify awareness about early-onset bowel cancer and to offer essential support for the future of those diagnosed.” ~ Alex, Lauren, Indiana and Bec
We hosted L'Hopital Burlesque with a heartfelt commitment to Bowel Cancer Australia and in honour of our remarkable friend, Bec McMahon, who continually inspires us.
With an enthusiastic audience of over 200 attendees and a contribution of $20,569 to Bowel Cancer Australia, we proudly achieved both of our goals.
Colleagues Who Care
“After losing a colleague who lost a short but aggressive battle with Bowel Cancer in 2019, we were passionate about raising as much money as possible for Bowel Cancer Australia.” ~ the HenderCare team
Over Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in June, we split into teams and raised money for Bowel Cancer Australia through a series of fundraising activities including physical challenges, a bake sale, a deli day, a movie night, a quiz night, guessing games and raffles. Who says you can’t have fun AND raise money?! With our teams working so hard and HenderCare matching donations, we raised a grand total of $19,017!
Bowel Cancer Gala Fundraiser
“I was diagnosed with Stage III bowel cancer at 38 years old, had my tumour and cancerous lymph nodes removed and am now undergoing six months of chemotherapy.” ~ Rachel
I am passionate about supporting Bowel Cancer Australia because they do a lot of advocacy for early-onset bowel cancer. They offer great support, which I have used myself, such as telehealth nutritionists and nurses, a Facebook support group (The Movement – Wellness Beyond Diagnosis), online webinars, and an inspiring community of young people sharing their stories.
In July 2023, we hosted a black-tie fundraiser gala to raise awareness and funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.
170 people attended, enjoying inspirational stories from guest speakers, live music and entertainment, a delicious two-course meal, and incredible prize draws.
The event was a great success and we raised $14,108 for early-onset bowel cancer!
Trekking The Camino Trail
“Let’s do this together and raise as much money as possible!" ~ Pranav and Prash
Pranav and Prash trekked the last 116km of the Camino trail to raise much needed funds and awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia.
Our dear friend Naveen Patney sadly passed away last year after he was diagnosed with Stage IV bowel cancer – he was only 40 years old so it really hit home that cancer does not care who it targets.
”We all know someone that has been affected by cancer at some point in their life being they have had it or a relative/loved one has.”
Huge thanks to Pranav and Prash for their amazing efforts, raising over $10,000 for us whilst spreading much needed awareness that you are Never2Young for bowel cancer.
Goodbye Locks!
“Luca is 11 and after seeing his Pop fight bowel cancer he decided to shave his head and raise money for Bowel Cancer Australia. My husband and I couldn't be prouder.” ~ Cherry, Luca’s mum
Luca's Pop lives in Queensland and we live in South Australia, so he wanted to show him that even though he wasn't close he was always thinking of him. Luca has had his long hair from age five, so he was very attached to his locks which made this even more meaningful.
The shave happened at his school, and they were a great support, doing a Red Day where all students and staff were a sea of red and a gold coin donation was brought in.
Luca and I also baked Red Fighter Cookies that we sold with all funds going towards Bowel Cancer Australia. It was a big, emotional, and successful day.
Run For A Reason
“After being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic bowel cancer in October of 2022, I felt lost and isolated and needed to find a new purpose for my life. That’s when I came across Bowel Cancer Australia.” ~ Melissa
I immediately felt like I had found a community of people and a great source of information. I also saw an opportunity for me to find some meaning in my situation and I decided that I wanted to be a part of the efforts to raise awareness around bowel cancer in younger people and raise money for research.
So along with my family and friends I signed up for the 2023 HBF Run for a Reason in Perth and raised over $2,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia. To spread the message of the Never2Young campaign, my friend and I bought one of the t-shirts and a pair of the exposed bottom shorts from the Bowel Cancer Australia shop.
My 12-year-old nephew even agreed to wear a pair for me, and we got a lot of attention on the day and had lots of fun! I can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Francesca is the on-trend designer jewellery label by sisters Hannah & Rachel Vasicek.
Founded on the belief that success means nothing unless you’re giving back, Francesca combines beautiful design with an empowering purpose.
Francesca has supported Bowel Cancer Australia for three years with its Awareness Bracelet campaign.
$20 from every bracelet purchased is donated to support those affected and to help fund research.
To date, Francesca Jewellery has raised over $21,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia.
Thank you to our
sponsors and supporters
Financials
Fiscal year ending 30 June 2023
85 cents directly supports our advocacy, awareness, patient support and research activities.
8 cents is invested to generate future income.
7 cents is spent on essential administration.
Excludes depreciation and amortisation and unrealised gain/loss of investment asset
We work hard to maximise every dollar donated to drive our awareness, advocacy, prevention, early diagnosis, research, treatment, and support services and to have the greatest potential benefit for patients and loved ones.
This dedication to efficiency and accountability has always been a core value of Bowel Cancer Australia and it continues to drive everything we do.
Gross Income
Donations and bequests: $3,266,700.00
Revenue from providing goods or services: $220,545.00
Revenue from government including grants: $0.00
Revenue from investments: $196,990.00
All other revenue: $0.00
Total revenue: $3,684,235.00
Other income (for example, gains): $149,695.00
Total gross income: $3,833,930.00
Expenses
Employee expenses: $638,242.00
Interest expenses: $13,442.00
Grants and donations made for use in Australia: $0.00
Grants and donations made for use outside Australia: $0.00
All other expenses: $1,964,887.00
Total expenses: $2,616,571.00
Net surplus/(deficit): $1,217,359.00
Other comprehensive income: $0.00
Total comprehensive income: $1,217,359.00
Assets
Total current assets: $7,692,891.00
Non-current loans receivable: $0.00
Other non-current assets: $396,236.00
Total non-current assets: $396,236.00
Total assets: $8,089,127.00
Liabilities
Total current liabilities: $520,283.00
Non-current loans payable: $0.00
Other non-current liabilities: $307,169.00
Total non-current liabilities: $307,169.00
Total liabilities: $827,452.00
Net assets/liabilities: $7,261,675.00
Gross Income
Donations and bequests: $89,249.00
Revenue from providing goods or services: $0.00
Revenue from government including grants: $0.00
Revenue from investments: $11,261.00
All other revenue: $0.00
Total revenue: $100,510.00
Other income (for example, gains): -$6,439.00
Total gross income: $94,071.00
Expenses
Employee expenses: $0.00
Interest expenses: $0.00
Grants and donations made for use in Australia: $221,918.00
Grants and donations made for use outside Australia: $0.00
All other expenses: $7,146.00
Total expenses: $229,064.00
Net surplus/(deficit): -$134,993.00
Other comprehensive income: $0.00
Total comprehensive income: -$134,993.00
Assets
Total current assets: $660,403.00
Non-current loans receivable: $0.00
Total assets: $660,403.00
Liabilities
Total current liabilities: $73,458.00
Total non-current liabilities: $0.00
Total liabilities: $73,458.00
Net assets/liabilities: $586,945.00
Despite being Australia’s second deadliest cancer, bowel cancer patients do not receive the same level of support as other common cancers.
Join us in helping the thousands of Australians affected by bowel cancer to live their best lives with access to high quality treatments and vital support services.
