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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2019-06-19 Daily Xml
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Motions

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:59): I move:

That this council—

1. Recognises that Bowel Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout the month of June;

2. Notes that Red Apple Day, held on 19 June 2019, highlights Bowel Cancer Awareness Month; and

3. Notes that bowel cancer claims the lives of over 80 Australians every week and is Australia's second deadliest cancer.

This motion recognises Bowel Cancer Awareness Month from 1 to 30 June and the importance of raising awareness, especially for early screenings. Today, we also recognise 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. This is a depressing statistic but lives can be saved through early detection as bowel cancer is a very treatable disease if diagnosed in its early stages. Awareness campaigns such as this one remind us that screening everyone, every two years after the age of 50, is incredibly important because the risk of bowel cancer increases sharply from the age of 50. For this reason the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is available to eligible persons over the age of 50.

While bowel cancer primarily affects those over the age of 50, younger people can also be affected so it always pays to know your family medical history and have a discussion with your GP. The risk factors for bowel cancer can be reduced by quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, being active and enjoying a diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately, sometimes the risk factors are beyond anyone's control, such as age or family history.

Prior to the 2018 state election the former Labor government committed an additional $3 million to the Beat Cancer Project which would have allowed for cutting-edge research into fighting cancer right here in our state. It is sad to see that the Marshall Liberal government has broken two key promises that they took to the election relating to bowel cancer. The Liberals promised that they would eradicate bowel cancer screening overdue waiting times and to regularly publish figures on colonoscopy wait times. To date the Marshall Liberal government has failed to deliver on these commitments, and I call upon them to honour their promises.

I urge everyone to buy a ribbon because the money goes to a very good cause. 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 also encourage everyone to talk to 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. I encourage everyone to do what we can to work towards the same goal of eradicating bowel cancer.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.

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