Health Report - Full program podcast
Bowel cancer is happening younger — so why aren't people getting screened?
Feb 14, 2025
Sandy Herriot, a consultant colorectal surgeon, sheds light on the troubling rise of bowel cancer among young Australians and the need for early screening, despite low participation rates. Meanwhile, Susan Sawyer, director at the Centre for Adolescent Health, dives into the pressing issue of adolescent mental health, discussing the surge in depression and anxiety amid societal pressures and the impact of social media. Both guests emphasize the importance of proactive health measures and the urgent need for education in these critical areas.
41:25
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Quick takeaways
- The rising incidence of bowel cancer among young Australians necessitates urgent action to improve awareness and screening participation, despite the lowered screening age to 45.
- Challenges in marketing healthy toddler foods reveal the need for stricter regulations to ensure parents can make informed nutritional choices for their children.
Deep dives
Importance of Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer screening is crucial for early detection, yet a significant portion of the population remains hesitant to participate. Many older Australians are unaware of the effectiveness and simplicity of tests like the fecal occult blood test, leading to shocking statistics that show 60% prefer to risk dying from the disease instead. This alarmingly low uptake highlights the need for increased awareness around colorectal cancer, especially as rates are rising among younger individuals. Experts suggest that improving education on screening's importance can help mitigate these rising cancer rates.
