Experts from Cancer Council WA are encouraging residents in the region to seek medical advice earlier for symptoms of diseases like bowel cancer.

Great Southern regional cancer prevention co-ordinator Lavinya Vasudevan said early diagnosis for bowel cancer was the best chance for successful treatment.

Ms Vasudevan, said bowel cancer continues to have a significant impact on WA families, despite being one of the most treatable cancers when found early.

”In 2021, 13,421 West Australians were diagnosed with bowel cancer and 437 people died from the disease,” she said.

”In the Great Southern, bowel cancer affected 35 people and 21 lives were lost to bowel cancer in that year.

”Research shows people living in regional Australia are less likely to survive five years after a cancer diagnosis than those living in metropolitan areas.

”Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community.

“That’s why recognising the symptoms and getting them checked as soon as possible is so important.

”Common symptoms that could mean bowel cancer include blood in your poo, even just once, or for at least four weeks; a new pain, lump or swelling in your tummy; feeling tired; looking pale; losing weight without trying; or a change in your normal bowel habits, including runny poo, pooing more often or finding it hard to poo.”

Ms Vasudevan said embarrassment, busy schedules and hoping symptoms will disappear were often reasons people did not seek medical advice.

“People can feel uncomfortable talking about bowel habits, but having that conversation with your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker could make all the difference,” she said.

”The earlier bowel cancer is found, the more treatment options are available and the better the chances of survival.”

Bowel cancer can also occur with no symptoms, so for Australians aged 45 to 74, it’s important to take part in the national bowel cancer screening program, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.

The program sends home test kits to eligible Australians every two years.

For more information, visit www.findcancerearly.com.au or call the Cancer Council information and support line on 13 11 20.