Bowel Cancer - A National Challenge and a Beacon of Hope

The Problem
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common and deadly cancers in Australia. It affects the colon or rectum and despite being highly preventable and treatable when detected early, bowel cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with thousands of lives impacted each year.

In 2024 alone, an estimated 17,000 Australians were diagnosed with bowel cancer. Tragically, more than 5,000 people lost their lives to this disease, making it the second deadliest cancer in the country.

Traditionally, bowel cancer is seen as prevalent among individuals over the age of 50. However, in a recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society, Australia had the highest rate of early-onset bowel cancer, with 16.5 people diagnosed per 100,000 head of population each year. This was followed by the United States at 15.2 diagnoses and New Zealand at 14.8. Additionally, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed a 134 per cent increase in bowel cancer among those aged 20 to 34 in the past 18 years.

Factors like lifestyle, diet, genetics, and delayed screenings are all thought to contribute to the disease’s toll.

Sources: Cancer Australia, Australian Government Department of Health

Breaking Down Barriers
Bowel cancer is largely preventable through regular screening, which allows for the early detection of polyps or cancerous growths. When caught early, the survival rate is as high as 90%. However, many Australians delay or avoid screenings, leading to late-stage diagnoses that are more difficult to treat.

The fight against bowel cancer is about more than just increasing awareness. It’s about breaking down barriers to screening, improving access to care, and advancing research into better treatments. Emerging therapies such as targeted treatments, immunotherapy, and minimally invasive surgeries are providing new hope, particularly for advanced or recurrent cases.

Types of Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the colon or rectum. The main types of bowel cancer include:

• Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, accounting for over 95% of cases. These cancers develop in the glandular cells of the bowel lining.
• Carcinoid Tumours: Rare cancers that originate in hormone-producing cells of the intestines.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs): Rare tumours that form in the connective tissue of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Lymphomas and Sarcomas: Even rarer, these cancers affect the immune cells or connective tissue within the bowel.

Our Investment and Commitment
At the PA Research Foundation (PARF), we are committed to advancing the fight against bowel cancer through research and innovation. Our investments have focused on impactful projects, including:

• The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and Accessibility for People with Disability: A qualitative investigation of lived experience within the Australian context (Nicole Marinucci, 2012).
• The Role of the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota and Chronic Infections in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Led by Associate Professor Elizabeth Powell and Professor Gerald Holtmann, this research explores the interplay between gut microbiota and bowel health, aiming to uncover potential links to bowel cancer.
  
  

These initiatives are helping to improve early detection, screening rates, and the development of personalised treatments.

Innovative Research
With PARF’s support, the Princess Alexandra Hospital and affiliated research teams are making significant strides in bowel cancer care. From early detection initiatives to advanced clinical trials, researchers are finding new ways to save lives and improve patient outcomes.

Recent breakthroughs include:

• Non-Invasive Screening Tests: Researchers are working to improve the accuracy and accessibility of faecal immunochemical tests (FITs), which detect blood in the stool. These advancements aim to increase screening participation rates.
• Targeted Therapies: Innovative treatments like monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors are helping patients with advanced or treatment-resistant bowel cancer live longer, healthier lives.
• Genomic Research: By analysing the genetic makeup of bowel cancer tumours, researchers are developing personalised treatment plans that target the specific mutations driving cancer growth.
• Minimally Invasive Surgeries: Techniques like laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are reducing recovery times and improving outcomes for patients.

For Australians living in rural or remote areas, expanding telehealth services and improving access to clinical trials ensures that no one is left behind. By connecting patients with cutting-edge care, these initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by bowel cancer.