Bowel Cancer
A man holds out a hot dog he bought from a street vendor in Washington October 26, 2015. Eating processed meat can lead to bowel cancer in humans while red meat is a likely cause of the disease, World Health Organization (WHO) experts said on Monday in findings that could sharpen debate over the merits of a meat-based diet. The France-based International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, put processed meat such as hot dogs and ham in its group 1 list, which already includes tobacco, asbestos and diesel fumes, for which there is "sufficient evidence" of cancer links. Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

New research has revealed that Australians in regional and rural areas are at a high risk of developing bowel cancer. Almost 8 million Australians, if not more, will be under the monstrous clutch of bowel cancer in just 10 years.

Social demographer Bernard Salt has released a disturbing report that states by 2026, almost 4 million Gen Xers and 4.6 million baby boomers will be exposed to bowel cancer risks because of their age.

The KPMG report states that participation is really an issue when it comes to screening for bowel cancer. Unfortunately, only 36 percent of those who get a test kit in the mail actually go for the test.

According to chief executive of Bowel Cancer Australia, Julien Wiggins, with bowel cancer, no one wants to talk about it much. However, early detection is the only way to survive. If people take regular screening tests, it can save many lives and that’s a known fact. Wiggins urged people to get over their inhibitions and embarrassment and get screened.

“Bowel cancer attacks the middle-aged with progressive lethality, with rates leaping tenfold between the ages of 50 and 79,” Salt was quoted by the Esperance Express as saying.

The report, commissioned by Bowel Cancer Australia and developed by KPMG Demographics, states bowel cancer strikes rural communities the hardest.

“Bowel cancer patients require timely access to surgery, treatment and cancer support services. However, these are not always available locally, which can adversely impact patient outcomes,” said Wiggins.

He wants complete implementation of screening procedures as it can save lives. He recommends screening every two years starting from age 50. Bowel cancer is a major problem in Australia and greater awareness is important.

Almost 4,000 people die of bowel cancer every year, and there are 15,000 cases recorded annually. Home test kits are readily available from general practitioners and pharmacies, and the kits are also sent in the mail.

Interestingly, the study revealed that the largest number of bowel cancer deaths is in the capital cities. However, the actual rate of deaths is highest in rural and regional centres. Hobart and Perth had the highest death rates due to bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is lethal in areas such as Inglewood in Victoria, Break O’Day in Tasmania, Victor Harbor in South Australia and Tenterfield and Eurobodalla in New South Wales.

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