Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (16:07): I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges Bowel Cancer Awareness month from 1 to 30 June 2018;

2. Recognises, that if discovered early, bowel cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer and therefore acknowledges the importance of early detection methods in saving lives;

3. Acknowledges the important role of non-government organisations such as the Cancer Council, Bowel Cancer Australia and the Jodi Lee Foundation, in promoting awareness, fostering research, promoting preventative health initiatives and providing support to patients and their loved ones;

4. Urges the state and commonwealth governments to prioritise funding for preventable health initiatives, aimed at reducing the high rate of bowel cancer in Australia; and

5. Recognises the important role that state and commonwealth governments play in ensuring access to screening, early diagnoses and quality treatment and care so that patients and their families can continue to enjoy a healthy life.

The motion I move today recognises Bowel Cancer Awareness Month as being this month, from 1 to 30 June, and the importance of raising awareness, particularly in regard to early screenings. As it happens, today is Red Apple Day and I encourage everyone to purchase a Red Apple ribbon or donate to his or her preferred cancer charity.

Bowel cancer is Australia's second deadliest cancer and, sadly, claims the lives of around 80 Australians every week. Despite this depressing statistic there is a more positive message to heed, and that is that more lives can be saved through early detection, as bowel cancer is a very treatable disease if diagnosed in its early stages. Bowel cancer risk increases sharply from the age of 50 onwards; awareness campaigns such as this one remind us all that screening every one to two years after the age of 50 is incredibly important.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is available to eligible persons over the age of 50. I would add that for people of all ages it always pays to know your family medical history and have a discussion with your GP, as this terrible disease can, sadly, affect younger people too.

We know that risk factors for bowel cancer are sometimes beyond anyone's control, such as age or family history. There are also other risk factors where modifications such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, being active and enjoying a diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can contribute to reducing risk.

It is important that we as a parliament do what we can to invest more in cancer research. The former Labor government committed to an additional $3 million for the Beat Cancer Project. This funding would have allowed for cutting-edge research into fighting cancer right here in our state. I note that during the election campaign the Liberal Party promised to tackle the prevalence of bowel cancer in our community, and I, along with my colleagues on this side of the chamber, will be closely monitoring the delivery of these measures.

We probably all know somebody, or know somebody who knows somebody, who has been affected by this terrible disease. It just so happens that today I got an email, and I think we all in this parliament got emails, from Kim MacDonald. Kim MacDonald works in Hansard. I just want to read her email out, because it is a terrible incident. I went and had a talk with Kim and asked if it was okay if I read the email out. She agreed that I could do so. The email says:

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness month and Wednesday June 20 is Red Apple Day, when we raise awareness of bowel cancer through the sale of bowel cancer awareness ribbons. Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer and affects men and women, of any age, almost equally. Unfortunately, one in 13 of us will receive a bowel cancer diagnosis during our lifetime, and 80 people die every week from the disease. It is increasingly being diagnosed in people under 50. My son Lachie was diagnosed at 22, and we lost him when he was only 25.

Through the sale of these ribbons, Bowel Cancer Australia not only raises awareness in the community but also raises funds that go towards research, support and education. Bowel Cancer Australia’s goal is to have a lasting impact where no-one dies of bowel cancer and all those who are diagnosed receive the support they need.

Ribbons are available in the Blue Room for $2.

I urge everyone to go and buy a ribbon, because the money does go to a good cause. I would like to thank Kim for allowing me to add this contribution into my speech.

I will end by encouraging everyone, if appropriate, to seek out screening options or get to know your family history and any risk factors. I would also encourage everyone to talk to your family members and loved ones and to gently remind them, if necessary, about the importance of frequent screenings over the age of 50. There is no doubt that discussing these matters can be an awkward and uncomfortable topic. Embarrassment about experiencing symptoms can sometimes, sadly, be a factor in not seeking help sooner. However, by raising awareness in the community and promoting early intervention, the mortality rate of bowel cancer can be reduced, and I encourage us all to do what we can to work towards the same.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.J. Stephens.