Hurstville Private Hospital is inviting the community to its open day on Saturday, June 25, to mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month on the health calendar.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Held in June each year, Bowel Cancer Awareness Month was established by Bowel Cancer Australia, which aims to raise awareness of a disease that claims the lives of 77 Australians every week.
Bowel cancer is the third most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia, affecting one in 12 Australians older than the age of 50, and is Australia's second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer.
It is one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early.
In conjunction with Sydney Colorectal Associates, Hurstville Private Hospital will host a free information session from 10am-1pm.
Colorectal surgeons will discuss the function of the gastrointestinal tract, healthy bowel habits, conditions of the large intestine, bowel cancer and its prevention and treatment.
There will be opportunities to examine a colonoscope, see the surgical operating robot, speak with specialists and have a free bowel health check.
Children can play guessing games, take part in a colouring competition and walk through an inflatable bowel.
Event coordinator and colorectal surgeon Kim Phan-Thien says public awareness is crucial.
“Symptoms are often ignored, and the screening sponsored by the government does not have high uptake due to social embarrassment over discussing bowel conditions,” she said.