Make June the month to check & take action on Bowel Cancer
With June marking Bowel Cancer Awareness month we had a chat to one of our many experienced and skilled specialists Dr Mary Ling who conducts Gastroscopy and colonoscopy (including rapid access endoscopy) procedures at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital
With June marking Bowel Cancer Awareness month we had a chat to one of our many experienced and skilled specialists Dr Mary Ling who conducts Gastroscopy and colonoscopy (including rapid access endoscopy) procedures at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital.
Endoscopy procedures, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy are among some of the most common ways to identify noticeable changes to the normal landscape of your bowel lining and gives specialists the opportunity to remove anything that looks suspicious.
With qualifications in surgical oncology, Dr Ling shared some insights and guidance around what people can look out for, especially young people when it comes to bowel cancer and bowel cancer awareness.
Qualifications: BSc (Med), MBBS, FRACS
Q: What is one of the biggest misconceptions around this topic and health area?
A: A common misconception is that bowel cancer is just an old person’s disease, whereas in fact 1 in 10 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under the age of 50. Bowel cancer incidence rates are increasing in young people both in Australia and around the world, and it has been shown that people born in 1990 onwards have double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer compared with people born in 1950. In fact, bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for people aged 25 to 34.
Q: What should people know when it comes to the warning signs for bowel cancer? At what point should people be talking to GP’s about referrals to seeing you about their concerns?
A: People under the age of 50 don’t routinely get screened for bowel cancer with the faecal occult blood test, so it is critical to be aware of the warning signs of bowel cancer. A survey on young patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer found that two out three of the respondents waited three to 12 months to see a doctor because they didn’t recognise their symptoms as signs of bowel cancer. Common symptoms include blood in the stool, a persistent change in bowel habit or abdominal pain. See your GP if these symptoms persist beyond two weeks, and don’t keep putting it off!
Q: Is there any particular trend/age/demographic of patients who most see you when it comes to bowel cancer treatment/approaches?
Being a female surgeon, I tend to see more women. I think some women, not all, just feel more comfortable discussing their bowel symptoms and being examined by another female.
Q: If you could pass on one message to all your existing and future patients what would it be?
A: Prioritise your health! When you notice something isn’t quite right with your body, make an appointment to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. In the case of bowel cancer, if it is detected early the treatment is less invasive and more successful.
Find out more more about the specialists who perform endoscopy procedures, including colonoscopies at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital here.
Learn more on the signs to watch out for and when to take action from Bowel Cancer Australia here.
Understand the tests and investigate measures for bowel cancer here.