Bowel Cancer is Preventable. Treatable. Beatable

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, with Wednesday 17 June recognised as Red Apple Day, a national campaign highlighting the impact of bowel cancer in Australia and supporting the work of Bowel Cancer Australia.

Every day, around 40 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer, and more than 5,000 Australians lose their lives to the disease each year. While the risk increases with age, bowel cancer can affect people of all ages and is the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25–44 years.

Awareness and screening programs play an important role in early detection, with bowel cancer being one of the most treatable cancers when identified early.

Red Apple Day helps raise awareness and funds for Bowel Cancer Australia, the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, treatment, and support services. The organisation also works alongside the Australian Government’s national bowel cancer screening program.

There are many ways individuals and workplaces can support the campaign, including:

• Learning more about bowel cancer awareness and screening programs
• Talking with a healthcare professional about screening options and personal risk factors
• Hosting an apple-themed event such as a morning tea or brunch to support fundraising efforts
• Purchasing a virtual Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon to show support or honour loved ones affected by the disease