June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, an annual initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia and Bowel Cancer New Zealand to raise awareness and funds to help fight this disease.
As it stands, bowel cancer claims the lives of 80 Australians every week, making it the country’s second biggest cancer killer. Meanwhile over 3,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with the disease annually, with approximately 1,200 losing their lives each year.
Saving lives through early detection is one of the campaign’s key messages, because when diagnosed early, 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated. Not everyone has symptoms, particularly in the early stages, but if you notice a change in your bowel habits or blood in your stool, talk to your GP right away.
Meanwhile New Zealanders are being encouraged to participate in the #BeatBowelCancer auction, to help raise awareness and funds to fight the disease. By auctioning up one thing we can live without whether it be a piece of clothing, trinket or other small item, we can all raise funds to fight bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer New Zealand Executive Officer, Rebekah Heal says that the auction on Trade Me will help raise much-needed funds, “Everyone has one thing they can live without, something big or small. It could be an item of clothing, a piece of art, jewellery or autographed memorabilia.”
To find out more on how to participate, visit their website here.
More information on Bowel Cancer Australia can be found on their website here
