Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie reveals how the rise in bowel cancer among young Australians has lowered the screening program age to 45 from July 1.
Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the world, with approximately 1 in 13 Australians likely to develop CRC in their lifetime.
In an alarming trend, rates are climbing among the young, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reporting a 266% increase in CRC among people aged 25-44.
Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie, Consultant Colorectal, Robotic and General Surgeon and an official spokesperson for Bowel Cancer Australia, was heavily involved in the Never2Young campaign, which has successfully lobbied the government to lower the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program from 50 to 45 years from July 1.
She tells North Shore Living, “Bowel cancer is 99% preventable, but it must be caught early. People tend to think that bowel cancer is an older person’s disease, but it’s not.”
“We’ve been diagnosing younger people for a long time. Now, anyone from the age of 45 can opt-in for the bowel cancer screening kit and access screenings.”
The disease can be killed by removing affected polyps, and Dr De Lacavalerie has expertise in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery that she performs at Northern Beaches Hospital, for bowel conditions.
These include colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel endometriosis, diverticular disease, endoscopy (gastroscopy and colonoscopy), bowel resections and other benign anorectal conditions.
“The main principle of treating bowel cancer is to remove the tumour and glands associated with it,” she explains. “We also assess if the patient needs chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“Robotic surgery is more precise and promotes lower risk of infection, faster recovery, less pain, and reduces time spent in hospital.”
Diet is also important, and Dr De Lacavalerie adds, “Unlike many years ago, Australians are eating too many processed foods and red meat, often daily.
“Bowel cancer is 99% preventable, but it must be caught early.”
“What we should be eating is whole foods, and those rich in calcium and fibre, and lean meat alternatives such as chicken and fish, along with eggs, tofu, nuts and legumes.
“Obesity, particularly in teenage years but also in adulthood, can increase the chances of developing bowel cancer.”
As the medical community continues to investigate the reasons behind the rise in bowel cancer among young people, the message is clear: awareness and early detection are key.
Bowel cancer symptoms
Dr De Lacavalerie says for symptoms of bowel cancer, use the word ‘BOWEL’ as an acronym:
B –
bloating and/or blood in stools or on underwear
O –
obvious change in bowel habits, this can be a new erratic routine
and/or new symptoms that remain, or stay for a few days, disappear but
return
W –
weight loss and/or changing appetite that can’t be explained
E –
extreme tiredness for no reason or a new diagnosis of iron
deficiency
L –
lump, swelling or bloating in the abdomen that remains and becomes
routine
If you recognise any of these symptoms, and are over 45, please opt in for your bowel cancer screening kit and ask your GP for a referral for a colonoscopy.
Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie
Suite 14, Level 6
Northern Beaches Hospital
Tel: 1300 26935 [BOWEL]